Sunsari. As the water level in the Saptakoshi River continues to rise, 22 gates of the Koshi Barrage have been opened.

According to the water level measurement carried out at 6 pm today, 21 gates were opened after the flow of water reached 184,785 cusecs per second in the Koshi Barrage. According to Chandra Bahadur Khadka, information officer of the District Police Office, 22 gates were opened after the water flow rose to 192,535 cusecs per second at 8 pm.

When the water flow in the Koshi Barrage exceeds 150,000 cusecs, red beacons are lit to the west to warn the public.

Information Officer Khadka said although there is no direct risk of inundation at present, the water level has been rising since noon and urged the bodies concerned and the people living around Saptakoshi to adopt necessary alertness and not to go to the risky areas.

Likewise, the District Police Office, Sunsari has urged the people living in the coastal areas to stay in safe places and not to fish and collect firewood in the Koshi River.