Photo : Messenger
Due to heavy rain and upstream flooding, the water level of the Teesta River at the Dalia Barrage point in Lalmonirhat is near the danger mark. The barrage authorities have opened 44 gates to control the water flow. Consequently, 4,500 families in five upazilas of the district have become waterlogged.
The rising water has started to flood homes and roads in the low-lying areas along the banks of the Teesta and Dharla rivers. In some low-lying areas, water levels have reached knee and waist height. Roads and croplands are submerged, and the Teesta embankment is under threat. This situation has caused severe hardship for the riverbank residents.
On Saturday at 9 AM and 12 PM, the water flow at the Dalia Barrage point of the Teesta River was recorded at 52.05 cm, just 10 cm below the danger level (normal level: 52.15 cm).
At the Shimulbari point of the Dharla River, the water flow was recorded 12 cm below the danger level. According to the Water Development Board, the water level is likely to rise and exceed the danger mark, raising the possibility of short-term flooding.
Reports indicate that the water levels of the Teesta and Dharla rivers are nearing the danger mark. This has resulted in flooding in the low-lying areas and char regions of five upazilas in Lalmonirhat, causing severe inconvenience to riverbank residents. They are also facing significant difficulties in managing their livestock and poultry.
Mashior Rahman, Chairman of Dowaibari Union Parishad in Hatibandha upazila, reported that about 3,000 households in wards 1, 2, 3, and 4 of his union are flooded, with some areas of wards 5 and 6 also affected.
Farhad Hossain, Chairman of Bhotmari Union Parishad in Kaliganj upazila, noted that the rapidly rising Teesta water has flooded the homes of people living near the riverbanks in his union, with some areas already experiencing erosion. Many are relocating their homes.
Sunil Kumar, Executive Engineer of the Lalmonirhat Water Development Board, stated that the water level of the Teesta is rising over the past 24 hours, and they are continuously monitoring the situation.
Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ullah said they are aware of the rising Teesta water levels, currently 10 cm below the danger mark.
Messenger/Fameema
