Heavy rainfall and upstream hill runoff have caused the water level of Kaptai Lake to rise to the danger mark, prompting authorities to open all 16 spillway gates of the Kaptai Dam. In the fifth phase of controlled discharge, water began flowing out at 6 PM on Thursday, with 41 inches (approximately 3.5 feet) being released through each gate. As a result, an estimated 68,000 cusecs of water per second is now flowing into the Karnaphuli River.
Earlier, the first phase of water release began on Monday night, discharging 6 inches through each gate. Since Wednesday night, the spillway gates have remained continuously open to ease pressure on the dam. The danger level for Kaptai Lake is set at 108 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 109 feet.
According to the Karnaphuli Hydroelectric Power Station, the lake’s current water level stands at 108.83 feet above Mean Sea Level (MSL). The sustained heavy rainfall pushed the lake to critical levels, forcing authorities to initiate emergency discharge measures from midnight on Monday. However, due to continued rain, the water level continued to rise, leading to further increases in the volume of water being released.
The release has raised the water level of the Karnaphuli River, disrupting local transport systems. Ferry operations on the Chandraghona-Raikhali route have been suspended since Wednesday morning. Bus services along the Rangamati-Bandarban-Rajasthali road are also currently halted.
Mahmud Hasan, Manager of the Karnaphuli Hydroelectric Power Station, noted that the water level in Kaptai Lake typically rises significantly during periods of heavy rainfall, necessitating gradual increases in water release to protect the dam and surrounding areas.
Meanwhile, the Cachalong River has also swelled due to upstream hill runoff, flooding several low-lying areas in Baghaichhari upazila. While water levels have begun receding since Thursday morning, several roads, including Battoli-Ugalchhari, Sadar-Babupara, Sadar-Durschhari, and Baytul roads, remain submerged and impassable.
Baghaichhari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Shirine Akter reported that water has started to withdraw from some areas. Currently, around 150 people have taken shelter in four to five designated centers. She expressed hope that the situation would improve if rainfall and upstream flow subside.
