A sudden surge in the Teesta River’s water level, caused by heavy upstream flow and continuous rainfall, has triggered flooding in low-lying areas of Lalmonirhat district. The Water Development Board (WDB) issued a red alert on Sunday evening and began public announcements urging residents to move to safer locations.
At 6 p.m. on Sunday (October 5), water at the Teesta’s Dalia point was recorded at 52.25 meters, 10 centimeters above the danger level of 52.15 meters. Earlier at noon, the water level was nine centimeters below the danger mark but gradually rose throughout the day—crossing the limit by 1 centimeter at 3 p.m. and reaching 10 centimeters above by evening. According to WDB sources, the rapid rise was mainly caused by heavy rainfall and mountain runoff from upstream regions.
Floodwaters have already inundated croplands across the Teesta’s char and low-lying regions. Residents along the riverbanks and in char villages are gripped by fear of flooding and erosion. Water has entered several areas of Hatibandha upazila—affecting eight to ten chars across six unions—as well as Dahagram in Patgram upazila, Char Gobardhan and Mahishkhocha in Aditmari upazila, and Khuniagachh, Rajpur, and Gokunda unions in Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila.
Many residents said they are unable to sleep at night due to fears of flooding and possible riverbank collapse.
Nurul Islam, the gauge reader at Teesta’s Dalia point, said the river level had been rising steadily since morning. “At 6 p.m., the water flow was recorded 10 centimeters above the danger level. It may rise further overnight. Residents of low-lying areas have been advised to remain alert,” he said. All 44 sluice gates of the Teesta Barrage have been kept open to regulate the water flow.
Dalia Water Development Board Executive Engineer Amitabh Chowdhury confirmed that the river is currently flowing above the danger level, posing a flood threat. “We have issued a red alert and are broadcasting warnings for people to move to safer places. Residents of the low-lying regions have been advised to stay vigilant,” he added.
