Patna, August 27: The Gandak River has experienced significant fluctuations in water discharge due to flash flood conditions in the upper catchment area of Nepal. This situation raised concerns about sudden increases in water flow. From the afternoon of August 26 until late at night, the discharge at the Valmikinagar Gandak Barrage rose sharply but saw a rapid decrease early Thursday morning, providing temporary relief to the riverside communities.
On August 26, at 1 PM, the discharge at the Gandak Barrage was recorded at 103,800 cubic feet per second (cusecs). By 4 PM, it surged to 150,200 cusecs and remained at that level until 11 PM. However, a swift change in the water flow occurred shortly thereafter.
According to the Water Resources Department, at midnight on August 27, the discharge was still at 150,200 cusecs. Just half an hour later, it dropped to 142,100 cusecs. By 1 AM, it further decreased to 129,000 cusecs, then to 116,500 cusecs at 1:30 AM, and finally to 104,400 cusecs by 2 AM. The discharge continued to decline, reaching 95,200 cusecs at 2:30 AM, 88,300 cusecs at 3 AM, and 83,900 cusecs at 3:30 AM. By 4 AM, it was recorded at 81,400 cusecs, and at 4:30 AM, it was 79,700 cusecs. This marked a decrease of approximately 70,500 cusecs in just four and a half hours.
At 5 AM, the discharge remained at 79,700 cusecs, but it began to rise again shortly after. By 5:30 AM, it increased to 81,800 cusecs and reached 88,300 cusecs by 6 AM. This indicates that the water flow in the Gandak River is on the rise once more.
The Water Resources Department has assured that they are fully prepared for flood management. In light of the flash flood situation in Nepal’s upper catchment area, heightened vigilance has been implemented in the relevant districts. Officials have been instructed to continuously monitor the river’s water levels and discharge, ensuring necessary preparations in sensitive areas.
While the nighttime increase in Gandak’s water levels raised concerns among riverside residents, the significant drop in discharge by morning provided immediate relief. However, with the discharge rising again to 88,300 cusecs by 6 AM, it is crucial for the administration and the Water Resources Department to maintain ongoing monitoring.
Leave a Comment