Kaptai Lake Water Level Rises,16 Spillway Gates to Open Tonight, Warning Issued for Karnaful.

Staff Reporter. ​RANGAMATI, Due to heavy rainfall and the relentless downstream flow of mountain runoff, the water level in Rangamati's Kaptai Lake has once again approached the danger threshold. To manage the rising water pressure and mitigate flood risks, the power station authority has decided to open the spillway gates of the Kaptai Dam. Starting tonight, Saturday (August 29) at 10:00 PM, 16 spillway gates will be opened by 6 inches each to release the excess water. ​According to Kaptai Hydroelectric Power Station sources, the water level in Kaptai Lake was recorded at 105.64 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL) at 2:00 PM on Saturday, against a maximum storage capacity of 109 feet MSL. Following the opening of the spillway gates at 10:00 PM, approximately 9,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of water will be discharged into the Karnafuli River. ​A press release signed by Engineer Mahmud Hasan, Manager of the Kaptai Hydroelectric Power Station, stated that the inflow of water into the lake, rainfall patterns, and the overall situation are being monitored around the clock. If heavy rains and hill runoff persist, the discharge through the spillways may be increased progressively. ​Peak Power Generation ​All five units of the Kaptai Hydroelectric Power Plant are currently operating at maximum capacity. Power generation alone is currently discharging approximately 32,000 cusecs of water per second into the river. However, as the lake level continues to rise, releasing additional water via the spillway gates has become necessary. ​Advisory for Karnafuli Riverbank Residents ​Earlier on July 18, the spillways were opened to handle rising water levels. This marks the second instance within a month that the dam's gates are being opened. Authorities assured that while there is no immediate risk of major flooding, the water level in the Karnafuli River may rise during high tides. Consequently, residents living along the riverbanks and in low-lying areas have been advised to remain cautious.