The water level in Kaptai Lake, located in Rangamati, has been steadily rising, sparking panic among hundreds of local families who are now facing increased hardship. As the water reached a critical level, the authorities were forced to open the 16 floodgates of the Kaptai Dam early on Wednesday to release the pressure. The decision was confirmed by Engineer Mahmud Hasan, Manager of the Kaptai Hydroelectric Power Station.
Heavy rainfall over the past several days has caused a sudden surge in the lake’s water levels due to runoff from the surrounding hills. This surge has led to the submergence of homes in various areas of Rangamati, particularly affecting Baghaichhari, Barkal, Jurachhari, and Belaichhari upazilas, as well as the Rangamati municipal town. The residents of these areas are facing increasing distress, with many homes submerged and livelihoods at risk.
The affected communities have expressed frustration with the authorities of the Kaptai Hydroelectric Power Station, accusing them of failing to release water from the dam in a timely and planned manner. Many believe that the delayed discharge of water has contributed to the widespread flooding.
In response, sources from the Hydroelectric Power Station explained that continuous rainfall had led to a sharp rise in the lake’s water levels, prompting the release of 32,000 cusecs of water per second into the Karnaphuli River. The floodgates are discharging water at a rate of three and a half feet per gate, while the station continues to generate 220 to 222 megawatts of electricity from five units.
Mahmud Hasan said that the decision to open the floodgates was made after the water level in the lake reached the danger mark. The gates were opened at around 3:00am on Wednesday to prevent any further damage to the dam and surrounding areas. However, the situation remains dire for those living in the affected regions, as the flooding continues to disrupt their daily lives.
