Rangamati, Aug 30 (V7N)- The authorities have opened all 16 spillway gates of the Kaptai Dam in Rangamati as the water level of Kaptai Lake continues to rise rapidly. Earlier, authorities had planned to open the gates by six inches, with an initial discharge of around 9,000 cusecs.
According to the information provided, the gates were opened at 8pm on Saturday, initially by six inches, and later adjusted to three feet. Around 90,000 cusecs of water is reportedly being released into the Karnaphuli River every second.
At the time of the release, the water level of Kaptai Lake stood at 105.98 feet MSL, against its maximum capacity of 109 feet MSL.
Mahmud Hasan, manager of the Karnaphuli Hydropower Station, said five units of the Kaptai Hydropower Station are currently operational. He warned that the flow of water in the Karnaphuli River could increase further following the opening of the spillway gates.
Authorities have urged residents of Kaptai and Rangamati, as well as people living along the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram, to remain vigilant.
Recent reports said the lake's water level had been rising rapidly amid heavy rainfall and upstream inflow, prompting authorities to prepare for the opening of all 16 spillway gates.
END/SMA/AJ
