The Kaptai dam in Rangamati has been opened to ease pressure from rising water in the lake.

All 16 gates were opened 6 inches each at 8:20pm on Saturday, releasing 9,000 cusecs of water per second into the Karnaphuli River.

Karnaphuli Hydroelectric Power Station Manager Mahmud Hasan said the situation was being closely monitored and the gates could be opened further if the water level rises.

The power station’s five units are currently generating 222MW of electricity, he said.

According to data from the power station’s control room, the water level in Kaptai Lake is currently 105.09ft above mean sea level.

Water from the Karnaphuli basin eventually flows into the Bay of Bengal.

In an emergency notice issued in the afternoon, the Karnaphuli Hydroelectric Power Station had said the 16 gates might be opened 6 inches each around 10pm on Saturday to manage water levels and help control flooding in upstream and downstream areas.

The authorities, however, opened the 16 gates at 8:20pm, about two hours ahead of the scheduled time.