Photo : Collected
Due to heavy rains and onrush from upstream, the Teesta River in Lalmonirhat has overflowed, causing water to inundate the low-lying areas along its banks. However, as of Sunday, the river's water level has flowed below the danger level. In contrast, the Dharla River has been flowing above the danger level since Saturday. The Water Development Board (WDB) has repaired a flood-damaged dam using geo bags, and the Dalia Barrage authorities have opened all sluice gates to manage the water flow.
According to WDB, at 9 AM on Sunday, the water level at the Dalia Point of the Teesta Barrage was 13 cm below the danger mark. By noon, it had decreased further to 24 cm below the danger mark. However, by 3 PM, the water level rose slightly, flowing at 19 cm below the flood line.
Meanwhile, the rise in the Teesta River water level caused overflow, inundating low-lying areas along the banks since Saturday afternoon. At least 10,000 families in Dahgram of Patgram, Saniajan of Hatibandha, Dauabari, Gaddimari, and Sindurna, Bhotmari of Kaliganj, Mahishkhocha of Aditmari, and Khuniagach of Sadar upazila, Rajpur, Kulaghat, and Mogalhat Union have become waterlogged. Roads and various crops in these areas have been submerged. The Govardhan-2 spur dam in Mahishkhocha Union, which was damaged by the flood on Saturday, was repaired with geobags yesterday.
Ashraful Alam, a resident of Shaulmari area in Bhotmari union of Kaliganj upazila, stated, "We do not want relief. We want the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan to protect the river from erosion."
Khairuzzaman Badal, Chairman of Khuniagach Union Parishad in Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila, reported that the rise in Teesta River water has left about 2,000 families in Khuniagach Union, including areas like Harinchara and Kalmati, in dire straits. Many areas are without electricity, and numerous village roads have been damaged. In fear, many residents are relocating their homes to higher ground.
Habibur Rahman Habib, Chairman of Mogulhat Union Parishad in Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila, mentioned that the Dharla River has been flowing above the danger mark since morning. The protective dams are under threat, and approximately 1,000 families are trapped by the rising water.
Mahishkhocha Union Parishad Chairman Mosaddek Hossain Chowdhury of Aditmari Upazila reported that 7 out of 9 wards in Mahishkhocha Union are situated in the river area. When the Teesta water rises, the people in these 7 wards suffer significantly. Water levels have risen in some educational institutions, leading to the suspension of classes. Approximately 4,000 families in this union have been deprived of water access.
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ullah stated Saturday afternoon that some low-lying areas have been flooded. He assured that if the Teesta water crosses the danger mark and creates a flood situation, there are sufficient relief supplies for the affected people. "We have 100 metric tons of rice, 5 lakh taka, and 400 packets of dry food ready for distribution among the flood-affected people. Additionally, the medical team is prepared, and flood shelters are ready to accommodate those in need."
Messenger/Fameema
