Sunsari. Thirty-eight gates have been opened to reduce the risk of flood as the water level in the Saptakosi river continues to rise. Thirty-eight of the 56 gates of the Kosi Barrage have been opened as the water level in the river has increased due to incessant rainfall in the hilly region.

According to the water level measurement carried out at 10 pm, the flow of water in the Kosi barrage has reached 273,925 cusecs per second. At 4 pm, when the water flow reached 256,010 cusecs, 34 doors were opened. Spokesperson of the District Police Office and Deputy Superintendent of Police Yograj Khatiwada said that the flow is increasing rapidly.

“The barrage currently has a red light, which is a sign of danger to the flow of water after crossing the 150,000 cusecs. Lighting a red light is a dangerous situation, which enables the locals and stakeholders to remain alert,” he said.

Although there is no direct risk of inundation at present, the concerned bodies as well as the residents of Saptakoshi have been urged to take necessary precautions and not to go to risky places as the water level is continuously rising due to continuous rainfall in the hilly areas, said Khatiwada.