RANGAMATI, Sept 9 (V7N) – Heavy upstream rainfall and mountain torrents have once again caused the water level of Kaptai Lake to rise sharply, submerging low-lying areas and leaving nearly 50,000 families in Rangamati district under severe hardship.

In response, authorities at the Kaptai Karnafuli Hydroelectric Power Plant opened all 16 sluice gates by six inches for the third time this season, releasing around 9,000 cubic feet of water per second into the Karnafuli River.

Confirming the development, Mahmud Hasan, Executive Engineer and Manager of the plant, told this correspondent at 3:00 p.m. Monday that sudden heavy rainfall in the surrounding hill regions had pushed the lake’s water level above the danger mark. By 2:30 p.m. the level had risen to 108.65 feet above mean sea level, prompting the release of water at 2:45 p.m. to prevent further flooding.

This is the third such action in recent months. Earlier, on August 5, after the lake’s water level had approached the critical 109-foot mark, the plant authority released water through all 16 sluice gates, discharging 9,000 cusecs per second. Continuous rainfall forced further releases up to three and a half feet before the gates were finally closed on August 12 when the water receded.

However, renewed heavy rainfall on August 20 again pushed water levels beyond the danger mark, prompting a second release that night at 8:00 p.m. Similar to previous operations, 9,000 cusecs of water per second was discharged into the Karnafuli River.

Despite the repeated operations, flooding continues to affect vast areas around the lake, cutting off roads and inundating croplands. Local residents say their sufferings have worsened as homes, schools, and markets in low-lying areas remain under water. Relief efforts are underway, but officials warn that any further rainfall in the upstream hill tracts could exacerbate the crisis.

Reporting by: Voice7 News Rangamati Correspondent

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