KATHMANDU: The Saptakoshi River has reached its highest water level in over five decades, surpassing dangerous thresholds and prompting authorities to issue urgent evacuation warnings. As of 3:00 AM on Sunday, the Koshi Barrage Control Room recorded a flow rate of 643,540 cubic feet per second (cusecs), marking the highest flow since 1968.
The previous record was set on October 5, 1968, with a flow of 788,200 cusecs. On Saturday at 10:25 PM, the river’s flow rate had already reached 620,000 cusecs, with the situation worsening overnight.
According to officials, the water level has risen to 11.26 meters above the danger mark and continues to increase. This alarming situation has led to heightened warnings, particularly for residents of flood-prone districts like Udayapur, Sunsari, and Saptari, where evacuations are being advised to avoid potential disaster.
Chief District Officer of Sunsari, Ramchandra Tiwari, confirmed that all vehicular and pedestrian traffic across the Koshi Barrage has been halted indefinitely due to the dangerous surge in water flow.
The water levels have been rising steadily throughout the weekend. At 6:00 AM on Saturday, the Koshi Barrage Control Room reported a flow of 336,000 cusecs, which escalated dramatically over the day, reaching 418,285 cusecs by 8:00 PM, 570,690 cusecs by midnight, and 632,285 cusecs by 2:00 AM today.
In response to the crisis, all 56 gates of the Koshi Barrage have been fully opened to relieve pressure. However, the continuous rise in water levels has left local communities on edge, as authorities work to manage the escalating situation.
The Saptakoshi River, Nepal’s largest, has a history of flooding during the monsoon season, often causing widespread damage and displacement. With water levels now exceeding critical limits, officials are urging residents to relocate to safer areas and to remain alert as the situation develops.