Teesta nears danger level; rising waters spark flood fears in Lalmonirhat

The Teesta River was flowing just 1 centimetre below the danger level at the Dalia point on today (22 July), morning following heavy upstream flow and persistent rainfall, raising fears of flooding as water began entering several low-lying areas of Lalmonirhat.

According to the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), the river's water level was recorded at 52.14 metres at the Dalia point at 9 am on today (22 July), against the danger level of 52.15 metres. 

As the water level continued to rise, floodwater began entering low-lying areas in Lalmonirhat Sadar, Aditmari, Kaliganj, Hatibandha and Patgram upazilas.

To manage the situation the authorities have kept all necessary gates of the Teesta Barrage open.

Shamsul Haque, a resident of Mahishkhocha Union in Aditmari upazila, said water has already started entering low-lying areas.

"If the river continues to rise, there is a risk that more low-lying areas will be inundated," he said.

Sunil Kumar, executive engineer of the Lalmonirhat Water Development Board, said Teesta has been flowing 1 centimetre below the danger level since 9 am today. The water level is fluctuating due to ongoing rainfall.

Rising water levels in major rivers and forecasts of heavy rainfall may trigger flashflood in at least 16 districts, according to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) bulletin.

Water levels in the Teesta, Dharla, and Dudhkumar rivers have risen significantly over the past 24 hours and are expected to continue increasing for the next two days, said the FFWC bulletin issued on Monday (20 July).

These rivers could cross the danger level within 24 to 48 hours, triggering flood in low-lying areas of Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Rangpur, Gaibandha, and Kurigram.