Lalmonirhat at flood risk as Teesta flows above danger level

The water flow has increased due to continuous rainfall over the past few days

Relentless rainfall and upstream runoff have sent the waters of the Teesta River surging above the danger level, putting the low-lying areas on the left bank of the river, including Lalmonirhat, at risk of flooding.

Around 3pm on Sunday, the water flow recorded at Dalia Point of Teesta Barrage was 52.14m, which was 1cm below the danger level.

By 6pm, it had risen to 10cm above the critical threshold, according to Nurul Islam, a water level measurer at Dalia Point.

He said the Teesta’s waters have been rising since morning, prompting the opening of 44 sluice gates at the Teesta Barrage to manage the flow.

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre added that the river may stay above the danger level for at least 12 hours, until 9am on Monday.

Continued rainfall could trigger flooding in the low-lying areas of Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Rangpur, and Kurigram.

Meanwhile, locals said the sudden rise in water has begun flooding the areas along the riverbanks.

Boats have now become the only means of transportation as the roads, farms, and vegetable fields have been submerged.

Aminul Haque, a farmer from Sindurna area, said: “The water level has been rising since noon. Water has entered many houses in the low-lying areas. We are keeping vigil at night due to the fear of flooding.”

Lalmonirhat Water Development Board Executive Engineer Sunil Kumar said, “The water level in the Teesta River has crossed the danger level due to upstream runoff and heavy rainfall. However, if the water level recedes in the next 12 hours, the risk of flooding in the locality will decrease.”