Water level in the Saptakoshi river reached this year’s highest on Sunday as heavy rainfall continued to batter the eastern hill districts.

 According to the Koshi barrage control room, the water flow in Saptakoshi reached 222,632 cusec on Sunday morning. On Saturday, the water flow in the river was measured at 173,820 cusec.

A red alert light has been lit on the barrage and 29 of the 56 sluices have been opened to lower the river’s water level.

Incessant rainfall in the eastern hill districts has also raised the water level in the Arun, Tamor, Bhotekoshi, Tamakoshi, Dudhkoshi and Likhu rivers—the tributaries of Saptakoshi.

Meanwhile, rain-swollen Saptakoshi river has breached its banks and inundated Gobargadha settlement in Hanuman Nagar Kankalini Municipality-13, Saptari.

Bindeshori Yadav, the ward chairman of Hanuman Nagar Kankalini-13, said Gobargadha was waterlogged since Saturday. 

“The settlement is inhabited by 40 families. Some of these families moved to dry a dry area on Sunday, while the others are taking shelter at a local school and government office buildings,” he said.

The flood-affected people said the authorities had not send any help so far.

 “I have repeatedly informed the Chief District Officer about the situation, but he has not send any help,” said Yadav. “Gobargadha is caught under knee-deep water and the only dirt road that links the settlement with the nearest marketplace at Hanuman Nagar has also been rendered impassable by flood.”