Himal Press 
ITAHARI: Authorities have opened 50 out of the 56 sluice gates of the Koshi Barrage following a sharp rise in the water level due to continuous rainfall in the eastern region.
According to Chief District Officer (CDO) of Sunsari, Dharmendra Mishra, as of 8 am Sunday, the water flow in the Koshi River was measured at 330,360 cusecs.
The increased discharge has been attributed to incessant rains in the river’s catchment areas over the past few days. This has raised concerns about potential flooding in downstream settlements.
“The flow in the Saptakoshi has surged significantly. People living near the riverbanks have been urged to remain alert and take precautionary measures,” Mishra said. Local administrations in Sunsari, Saptari, and Udayapur districts have been instructed to stay on standby for any emergency response.
The Koshi Barrage plays a vital role in managing floodwaters and protecting downstream areas, including parts of Bihar in India. In past years, heavy monsoon rains and high discharge from the barrage have caused widespread flooding and displacement.
