Rangamati 2 September (v7n)- Rangamati district is facing severe hardships due to the overflow of water from Kaptai Lake, which has caused extensive waterlogging in the lower areas. The situation has been exacerbated by water flowing down from the mountain regions of India, leading to inhumane living conditions for the affected residents.

Approximately 15,000 farmers have been significantly impacted, with their crops being completely destroyed due to the flooding. The agriculture department has confirmed that the damage is widespread, affecting the livelihoods of these farmers.

In an effort to manage the rising water levels, the Kaptai Hydropower Plant authorities have been releasing 79,000 cusecs of water per second into the Karnaphuli River. This was initiated after 16 cisterns of the Kaptai Water Power Plant were opened to 4 feet on Monday afternoon. Prior to this, water was being released at a rate of 42 inches through the power plant's spillway gates.

The plant's manager, ATM Abduzzah, stated that this measure was necessary due to the sudden increase in water levels in Kaptai Lake, caused by the runoff from upstream hills. He also mentioned that the excess water has led to the submersion of the lower areas of Rangamati.

As of 3:30 pm on Monday, the water level in Kaptai Lake stood at a mean sea level of 108.72 feet. The current situation has allowed the Karnaphuli power plant to operate at full capacity, with five units generating up to 220 MW of electricity daily, which is being fed into the national grid.