India opened the sluice gates of the Dhauliganga dam early Friday, causing a rise in the water level of the Mahakali river, which flows along the Nepal-India border.

According to the Indian officials, the gates were opened urgently to flush out silt as the reservoir at the Dhauliganga power station had reached a high water level.

Following the opening of the gates, residents living along the banks of the Mahakali River in Nepal’s Darchula and Baitadi districts have been advised to remain cautious and stay away from riverbank areas.

The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) of India, which operates the dam, said the gates opened around 1:30am on Friday will remain open until Saturday afternoon.