Teesta River is once again flowing above danger level, causing a third wave of flooding in low-lying areas of Lalmonirhat following continuous heavy rain and mountain torrents from upstream.
The water flow at Dalia point of the Teesta Barrage irrigation project in Hatibandha upazila was recorded at 52.16 metres on on Tuesday (August 12), which is one centimetre above the danger mark of 52.15 metres.
According to local residents and flood warning centres, heavy rainfall over several days and the surge of hill torrents caused the Teesta’s water level to rise from Monday night (August 11).
Due to this, multiple low-lying areas of Lalmonirhat’s Sadar, Patgram, Hatibandha, Kaliganj, and Aditmari upazilas have been flooded.
Affected areas include Dohgram in Patgram; Goddimari, Dowani, Choyani, Saniya Jan, Singamari, Sindurna, Holdibari, and Dauyabari in Hatibandha; Votmari, Shailmari, and Nohali in Kaliganj; Mahishkhola, Gobordhon, Bahadurpara, and Palashi in Aditmari; and Khuniagach, Kulaghat, Mogolhat, Rajpur, Borobari, and low-lying areas of Gokunda union in Lalmonirhat Sadar.
As the water flow increases, flood risks are escalating.
The third wave of flooding is imminent along the left bank of the Teesta in Lalmonirhat.
Several roads and embankments are under threat due to water pressure, especially the solar panel area of South Votmari in Kaliganj upazila.
Locals say the installation of solar panels along the main flow of the Teesta has altered the river’s course, increasing pressure on the road and embankment. If the embankment breaks, floodwaters could enter Kaliganj town.
Local resident Abul Hossain warned that without protection, thousands of homes and crops could be destroyed.
Advocate Ariful Islam, chairman of Sindurna Union Parishad, said more than 1,500 families in his union become stranded whenever water exceeds the danger level.
Sunil Kumar, executive engineer of the Bangladesh Water Development Board in Lalmonirhat, said the Teesta’s water level is rising due to rainfall and upstream torrents. At noon on Tuesday, the flow was one centimetre above the danger level at Dalia point. Flooding in riverbank lowlands is possible, and the situation may continue for two days before improving. Authorities have urged people in affected areas to remain alert. The board is continuously monitoring the situation and vulnerable embankments and roads.
MSK/
