Kosi river in spate
– Photo : Amar Ujala
Expansion
Due to the heavy rains in Nepal and Bihar in the last 24 hours, the rivers and streams of the state are in spate, while the water level of many rivers including Kosi has crossed the danger mark at various places. Meanwhile, the highest discharge of this year was recorded from Kosi Barrage at 6 pm on Saturday evening.
According to the data released from the Chief Engineer’s Office of Flood Control Cell located in Virpur of Supaul, there are signs of further increase in the water level. The river has reached near the danger mark at Kosi Barrage. 3 lakh 03 thousand 860 cusecs of water was released from Kosi Barrage at 6 pm on Saturday. After which there is a possibility of flood water spreading in the populated areas inside the Kosi embankment in the next 10 to 12 hours. However, after the water level in the river increased, 39 out of 56 gates of Kosi Barrage have been opened. According to the Central Water Commission, the flow of Kosi river in Barah area of Nepal division and Virpur of Supaul district is above the danger mark.
The discharge was below one lakh cusecs on Friday evening
On 21st June, Kosi river touched a record of 2 lakh 39 thousand 515 cusecs discharge. Since then, continuous fluctuations were being seen in the water level of the river. At 6 pm on Friday, the discharge from the barrage had reduced to 97 thousand 370 cusecs. However, after this, continuous increase in the water level was seen. At 6 am on Saturday, 1 lakh 42 thousand 910 cusecs of water was released.
Farmers’ crops submerged, flood water spread to many villages
Due to the rise in the water level of Kosi river in the last 24 hours, flood water has spread in many fields inside the embankment. Due to which moong, maize and other crops grown in hundreds of acres have been destroyed. Water has started entering the populated areas as well. Due to which the people of dozens of villages situated within the Kosi embankment are facing difficulties in coming out of the embankment for important work. Although the administration has arranged for boats. But that is proving to be insufficient.
The flow of the river is close to the danger mark
According to the data released by the Water Resources Department, the river has reached close to the danger mark at Kosi Barrage. By 3 pm, the river has crossed the danger mark near Basua Gate in Supaul and Baluaha Bridge in Saharsa district. However, the Kosi river is flowing 1 meter below in Baltara of Khagaria and 3 meters below in Kursela of Katihar. According to the information received from the Chief Engineer Flood Control Cell Office located in Veerpur, Supaul, both the embankments and spurs of Kosi are completely safe. In view of the fluctuations in the water level of Kosi river on both the embankments of Kosi, continuous monitoring and vigilance is being maintained. If the officials are to be believed, the current situation is completely under control. However, the news of relief is that there is less possibility of rain in Nepal Division for the next two days.
Water level increased after rain in Nepal division
The main reason for the rise in the water level of Kosi river is the heavy rainfall in the catchment area of the river located in Nepal division. According to the data released by the Water Resources Department at 3 pm, on Saturday, 75.33 mm of rain fell in Dhankutta of Nepal division, 64.35 mm in Dharan Bazaar, 31.79 mm in Okhaldung and 3.59 mm in Taplejung. On Sunday, 4.62 mm of rain is expected in Dhankutta of Nepal division, 5.61 mm in Dharan Bazaar, 12.71 mm in Okhaldung and 4.20 mm in Taplejung. Whereas on Monday, 3.88 mm of rain is expected in Dhankutta of Nepal division, 6.12 mm in Dharan Bazaar, 14.46 mm in Okhaldung and 3.70 mm in Taplejung.
DM alert, increased surveillance in affected areas
Here, DM Kaushal Kumar is on alert mode after the sudden rise in the water level of Kosi river. He has instructed the officers and personnel to keep a constant vigil in the affected areas. Along with this, the officials have also been asked to ensure that as much government assistance as possible is provided to the people after the flood waters recede. Apart from this, the medical team has also been asked to remain on alert.