Teesta's water level crosses danger mark in Rangpur

The Teesta River has once again crossed the danger mark at the Dalia point in Rangpur, flooding low-lying areas along its banks following continuous heavy rainfall and gushing waters from the upstream.

As of 9:00 am on Sunday, the river was flowing at 52.16 metres, one centimetre above the danger level, according to the Water Development Board (WDB).

Officials said the water level has risen by 23 centimetres over the past 16 hours, reports UNB.

“In the early hours of Sunday, the water level rose rapidly and is now flowing above the danger mark,” said Nurul Islam, a level reader at the Teesta Barrage. To manage the pressure, all 44 sluice gates of the barrage have been opened, he said.

Floodwaters have started pouring into homes and courtyards in several low-lying villages, including parts of Goddimari, Chandimari and Gobardhan.

Croplands are also under water, raising fresh concerns among local farmers.

“Rainfall has been heavy since morning, and now floodwaters from upstream are entering our courtyards,” said Shamsul Alam, a resident of Goddimari Union.

Sindurna Union Chairman Advocate Ariful Islam said, “Immediate aid is needed as several wards are now waterlogged. People are trapped.”

WDB Executive Engineer Ahsan Habib said the flooding is being caused by a combination of upstream inflow and local rainfall. District authorities have issued warnings and put emergency relief efforts in place.