Photo: Messenger
Due to rising water levels in Kaptai Lake, all 16 spillway gates of the Karnafuli Hydroelectric Power Station will be opened at 10 PM on Saturday.
Engineers from the power station have stated that when the water level in Kaptai Lake reaches 108 feet MSL (Mean Sea Level), it triggers a flood warning. If this level is reached, water from Kaptai Lake may need to be released.
ATM Abduzzaher, the power station's manager, reported at noon that the water level in Kaptai Lake had reached 107.63 feet by 2 PM on Saturday. If the water level approaches or exceeds 108 feet by evening, the 16 gates of the spillway will be opened by 6 inches each. He urged everyone to remain cautious.
Earlier, on Friday, rising water levels submerged the iconic hanging bridge, a landmark of Rangamati’s tourism industry. Water had risen 5 to 6 inches above the bridge’s platform, and the pressure of the water had displaced some of the platform's wooden planks. Consequently, the tourism authorities have prohibited tourist movement on the bridge.
According to the power station's control room, the lake currently holds more water than required according to the rule curve. As a result, the power station's five units are producing up to 219 megawatts of electricity, although it is possible to produce between 230 to 240 megawatts from all five units.
Recent heavy rains and upstream flooding have caused water levels in Kaptai Lake to rise to near maximum capacity or flood warning levels.
As of 9 AM on Saturday, August 24, the water level in Kaptai Lake was 107.63 feet MSL, while the lake’s maximum capacity is 109 feet MSL.
Messenger/Ripon/Shahed
