Management at the Kaptai hydropower plant has opened 16 emergency spillway gates after water levels in the lake rose quickly. The decision was made to relieve pressure on the giant water reservoir and protect nearby low-lying villages from flooding.
The power station manager, Mahmud Hasan, confirmed that on Saturday morning, workers lifted the 16 gates by six inches each. This opening is releasing about 9,000 cusecs (a measure of water flow) out of the lake and into the Karnaphuli River, which eventually flows into the sea.
At the same time, the power plant is working at full speed. All five of its power-generating units are running, producing 222 megawatts of electricity for the country. As these units spin to create power, they naturally push another 32,000 cusecs of water out of the reservoir and into the river.
Heavy rain has pushed the water level in Kaptai Lake up to 104.09 feet. While the dam can safely hold water up to 109 feet, authorities consider 108 feet to be the dangerous line where flooding becomes a major risk.
Mahmud Hasan explained that letting the water out now helps control the lake level before it gets too dangerous. He added that if more water continues to flow into the lake from the hills, teams are ready to open the gates even wider to keep the dam safe.
.jpg "PM may reshuffle ministers, appoint advisers: Zahed")
