TDS Desk:

The 16 gates of the Kaptai Hydroelectric Power Plant will be opened by tonight as the water level of Kaptai Lake is rising due to incessant rainfall and the onrush of water from upstream.

The Karnafuli Hydroelectric Power Station authority issued an urgent warning for downstream people on Saturday.

The gates are going to be opened when 18 people have so far died and over 49 lakh people have been affected as the ongoing flood hit 77 upazilas in 11 districts of the country.

The people of the downstream areas of the Haldar and Karnafuli rivers will be adversely affected by the flood water if the sluices are opened now, reporters of our local correspondent.

The water level in Kaptai Lake in Rangamati has risen close to the danger level due to heavy rainfall and the onrush of water from upstream.

The water level in the lake was 107.63 MSL (Mean Sea Level) as of 2 pm on Saturday, against its maximum reserve capacity of 109 MSL.

According to the authority’s warning note, if the water level reaches 108 MSL, the gates will be opened by tonight.