The water level in Saptakoshi River has crossed this year's highest mark due to incessant rainfall since the last 10 days.

A red light warning sign has been lit after the water flow in the river was measured at 264,700 cusec on Tuesday morning.

35 of the 56 sluices of Koshi barrage have been opened after the rise in water level. Sub Inspector Bhim Raj Thebe informed that the water level has been gradually rising.

Meanwhile, experts have said the barrage that was built to hold 950,000 cusec of water flow can only old half of its capacity due to its age and rise in river bed.