Water levels in the River Teesta continued to rise on Saturday following heavy upstream rainfall in India, bringing the river within 5 centimetres of the danger level at Dalia Point in Lalmonirhat and raising fears of flooding in low-lying riverside areas.
According to the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), the river was flowing 5 centimetres below the danger level at the Teesta Barrage point in Hatibandha upazila at 6am on Saturday. Officials warned that if the inflow from upstream continues, the river could cross the danger mark at any time.
The latest surge in water levels comes after Indian authorities reportedly opened all gates of the Ghazaldoba Barrage, allowing a large volume of upstream water to flow into Bangladesh through the Teesta.
Officials said water levels had declined in recent days but began rising again on Saturday morning due to continued rainfall in upstream regions of India. As a result, low-lying areas along the riverbanks face the risk of inundation, potentially affecting thousands of families living in char and riverside communities.
The Teesta flows through five upazilas of Lalmonirhat district, where even a moderate rise in water levels often leads to flooding in vulnerable riverbank areas.
The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre said the Teesta was flowing just below the danger level at Dalia Point on Saturday morning. Residents living along the riverbanks have been advised to remain alert as water levels continue to rise.
Mubarak Ali, a resident of Goddimari Union, said a significant volume of water was entering the river from upstream areas and warned that low-lying land could be inundated at any moment.
Amitabh Chowdhury, executive engineer of the Teesta Barrage, said the river was flowing 5 centimetres below the danger level on Saturday. To manage the increasing water pressure, authorities have opened all 44 gates of the barrage.
Shunil Kumar, executive engineer of the BWDB in Lalmonirhat, said water levels in the Teesta were rising steadily due to upstream inflows.
“If the water continues to rise at the current rate, low-lying areas along the Teesta may be flooded. People living in vulnerable riverside areas are advised to remain cautious. We are monitoring the situation round the clock,” he said.
Bd-pratidin English/TR
