Teesta River surges 7 cm above danger level, floods low-lying areas

Heavy rainfall and upstream inundation have caused the Teesta River's water level to rise significantly. At 6:00 am on Wednesday, the water level at the Teesta Barrage, the country's largest irrigation project, was recorded at 52.22 meters—7 cm above the danger level of 52.15 meters. By 9:00am, it was flowing 5 cm above the danger mark.

Tahidul Islam, Deputy Assistant Engineer (Water Branch) of Dalia Division, said that the rising water levels stem from intense rainfall and hill runoff upstream.

Low-lying areas and char villages are already submerged, with fears of further increases by evening, he said, adding that to manage the floodwater, 44 sluice gates at the Teesta Barrage have been opened, and the situation is under close watch.

The rising Teesta has inundated areas in Dimlar Purba Chatnai, Khagakharibari, Tepakharibari, Khalisha Chapani, Jhunagach Chapani, Gayabari, Golmunda, Dauabari, Shaulmari, and Kaimari unions in Nilphamari, as well as downstream regions in Gangachara, Kaunia, Pirgachha, Lalmonirhat in Rangpur, and Kurigram's lower riverside areas.

Amitabh Chowdhury, Executive Engineer of Dalia Division, confirmed that the Teesta's water level has been rising since Wednesday morning. With the river 7 cm above the danger level at 6:00 am, 44 barrage gates remain open to control the flooding.