Lalmonirhat faces flood threat as Teesta crosses danger mark

The Teesta River has risen above the danger level, inundating low-lying areas along its banks and raising fears of flooding in Lalmonirhat.

On Wednesday, Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) Executive Engineer Sunil Kumar said water levels continued to rise due to upstream hill runoff and persistent heavy rain, triggering short-term flooding in riverside lowlands.

According to the 6am bulletin, the river at the Dalia point of the Teesta Barrage in Nilphamari was flowing 13cm above the danger level.

The water level was recorded at 52.28m, against the danger mark of 52.15m.

Residents say rising water has put embankments and rural roads under severe pressure.

Cropland, roads and Char areas along the Teesta have already gone under water, leaving boats and makeshift rafts as the only means of transport in several localities.

They alleged that poor maintenance of embankments over the years had increased the risk of breaches and major damage.

Shamsul Alam, a resident of the Dawabari Union Char area, said water had already entered several homes and warned that continued rises could lead to severe flooding.

Adilur Rahman, a resident of Sindurna Char, said annual upstream runoff and heavy rain has repeatedly left the area vulnerable to flooding.

He said riverbank erosion had also begun and urged the government to implement the Teesta Master Plan without delay.

Engineer Sunil said the BWDB was monitoring the situation around the clock and had advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious and move to safety if necessary.