Publish : 02 Sep 2024
Because of continuous upstream water flow and heavy rainfall in Rangamati, the water level of Kaptai Lake has once again reached the danger level, prompting the reopening of 16 sluice gates.
The sluice gates of Kaptai Dam were opened to 3.5 feet on Monday to help reduce the lake's water level, resulting in the release of 68,000 cusecs of water per second into the Karnaphuli River.
Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain Khan said: "We have allocated 92 tons of food grains for the waterlogged people in the district. At the same time, water is being continuously released from the dam. We hope the water levels will recede in a few days."
Earlier, on Sunday, the sluices were opened to 2.5 feet, but with the lake's water level still rising, the decision was made to increase the opening to 3.5 feet on Monday morning.
The current water level of Kaptai Lake stands at 108.74 MSL (Mean Sea Level), with the lake's maximum capacity being 109 MSL.
ATM Abduzzah, the manager of Kaptai Hydroelectric Power Plant, said: "The gates have been opened to 3.5 feet due to the rising water. We are releasing 68,000 cusecs of water per second. Additionally, we are generating 220 megawatts of electricity by operating five units of the power plant, which utilizes 32,000 cusecs of water per second."
Last Sunday, 16 sluice gates of Kaptai Dam were also opened as the lake's water level increased. At 8:30am that day, the gates were opened to six inches.
Meanwhile, residents of the lower-lying areas downstream of the lake have been facing severe challenges for the past two weeks due to the rising water levels.
Around 16,000 people are trapped in floodwaters, with around 800 seeking refuge in shelters.
Flooding has affected the lowlands of 17 unions in Rangamati Sadar, Langadu, Naniarchar, Barkal, Baghaichhari, and other upazilas.
In Baghaichhari upazila, water levels have risen for the fifth time, causing further distress in several villages.
The ongoing flooding has worsened conditions for the working population, with many still awaiting relief.
