KATHMANDU: Pedestrian movement across the Koshi Barrage has been restricted as water flow continues to surge, reaching dangerous levels. On Saturday at around 12:30 PM, water flow was recorded at 508,000 cusecs, leading the barrage authorities to stop pedestrian traffic as a safety precaution. Although pedestrian access has been closed, vehicular traffic remains open for now.
The Koshi Barrage, which is controlled by Indian authorities, saw all 56 gates opened due to the escalating water flow. Officials on the Indian side have warned that the flow may rise to 681,639 cusecs, urging both Nepal and India to adopt safety measures.
Bipin Regmi, the Sunsari District Police Chief, confirmed that precautionary steps have been taken to prevent people from engaging in potentially dangerous activities such as fishing and collecting wood from the floodwaters. Regmi emphasized that the water levels in the barrage are steadily increasing, making any activity in the river extremely risky.
The rising flow has also triggered alerts in India, particularly in the state of Bihar. The Water Resources Department in Patna has predicted that the water flow could reach 681,639 cusecs, raising serious concerns about flooding in districts like Supaul, Saharsa, Madhepura, Madhubani, Darbhanga, and Khagaria, all of which are connected to the Koshi River.
With flood risks now at an all-time high, local authorities on both sides of the border are on high alert, closely monitoring the situation. Communities living near the Koshi River have been advised to take necessary precautions and prepare for potential evacuations if the situation worsens. Further updates on the water flow and safety measures are expected as authorities work to manage the flood threat during this critical period.