ITAHARI, July 26: The water level in the Saptakoshi River has reached 270, 200 cusecs, the highest for the year. With the water level increasing, 35 of the 56 sluices of the Saptakooshi barrage have been opened.
At present, two red lights have been switched on, indicating danger on the Koshi barrage.
Water level above danger mark in Saptakoshi river
Normally the red light is switched on when the water level reaches 150,000 cusecs in the Koshi barrage.
The red light to the west of the barrage is switched on when the water level reaches 150,000 cusecs and when it crosses 200,000 cusecs, the other red light to the east of the barrage is switched on.
When the water level crosses 300,000 cusecs, the red light is switched on in the middle of the barrage, as well. The danger increases when it reaches 300,000 cusecs.
On August 18, 2008, the eastern dam of the river was flown away when the water level crossed 168,000 cusecs. The Koshi floods had inundated four VDCs when it broke down the eastern dam.
