Authorities have confirmed that the water level in Kaptai Lake is continuously rising due to heavy inflows from upstream hill torrents. It has been reported that within a week, the 16 gates of the Kaptai Dam had to be opened for the second time to release excess water. On Wednesday night, after 8 PM, all 16 gates were raised by 6 inches to discharge water into the Karnaphuli River as the lake’s water level crossed the danger mark.
Mahmud Hasan, the manager of the Karnaphuli Hydropower Station, stated that the water level in Kaptai Lake has surpassed 108 feet MSL (Mean Sea Level), which is above the danger mark. To control the situation, after 8 PM on Wednesday, the 16 spillway gates were raised by 6 inches to release water into the downstream Karnaphuli River. This is discharging 9,000 cusecs of water per second. Additionally, with five units operational for power generation, 32,000 cusecs of water are being released. Currently, the station is producing 220 megawatts of electricity. However, there is no risk of flooding in downstream areas due to this release, he added. As of Thursday morning, the water level in the lake was recorded at 108.35 feet, while the lake’s maximum capacity is 109 feet.
Hasan further noted that the water flow and rainfall situation are being monitored continuously. If necessary, the amount of water released from the lake will be increased gradually. Previously, from August 5 to 12, the spillway gates were raised by 3 feet to release water when the lake’s water level approached 109 feet.
Due to continuous rainfall and upstream hill torrents, the rising water levels in Kaptai Lake have caused flooding in low-lying areas of Rangamati Sadar, Baghaichhari, Langadu, Naniarchar, Barkal, Jurachhari, Kaptai, and Belaichhari upazilas. Approximately 20,000 people living along the lake’s shores are reportedly stranded. The iconic hanging bridge of Rangamati has also been submerged.
In Rangamati Sadar Upazila, areas such as Reserve Mukh, Puran Basti, Julukyapahar, Rajdwip, Public Health, Shantinagar, Puran Bus Stand, Manikchhari, Rangapani, Assam Basti, Balukhali, Magban, Jibtali, Bandukbhanga, and Kutukchhari have been inundated, leaving thousands of people in distress. Additionally, residents of the lake-adjacent areas in Kaptai, Belaichhari, Jurachhari, Barkal, Langadu, Baghaichhari, and Naniarchar upazilas are also stranded due to flooding.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Ruhul Amin stated that sufficient shelter centers have been opened in the Sadar and other upazilas of the district for the affected people. The district administration has initiated the process of compiling a list of those stranded due to the flooding.
