Due to torrential rains and upstream hill floods, the water level of the Teesta River has risen 2 centimetres above the danger level, leaving nearly 25,000 families trapped by floodwaters.
Water flow at the Dalia point of the Teesta Barrage, located in the Doani area of Hatibandha upazila, was recorded at 52.17 metres at 6am on Sunday (29 September).
This surpasses the normal danger level of 52.15 metres by 2 centimetres.
On Saturday (28 September), water levels began to rise, approaching the danger mark.
This resulted in flooding in nearby areas, with around 25,000 families in five upazilas of Lalmonirhat district on the left bank becoming trapped by floodwaters. The number of affected families continues to rise, causing alarm among the residents of the Teesta basin.
Flood Warning Centre and local residents have reported that the Teesta River, which originates in Sikkim, India, flows into Bangladesh, where it is heavily influenced by the Farakka Barrage, built by India to control the river’s water flow for its own benefit.
During the monsoon, India opens the gates, releasing excess water into Bangladesh, while in the dry season, the gates remain closed, depriving Bangladesh of the necessary water and turning the area into a barren land.
This monsoon, heavy rainfall in India has led to an influx of water into Bangladesh, causing a significant rise in the Teesta’s water levels. To manage the flow, all 44 sluice gates of the Teesta Barrage are kept open during the monsoon season.
Several roads, bridges, and culverts in the river-adjacent areas have been washed away by the floodwaters.
Growing aman paddy and various vegetable fields have been submerged, raising concerns among farmers about the potential damage to their crops if the water remains for an extended period.
Fish from several ponds have also been washed away in the floodwaters, and flood control embankments, such as the highly vulnerable Soladi Spur Dam, are now at serious risk. On Saturday night, water overflowed the Soladi Spur Dam-2, leading to panic among hundreds of downstream families.
However, locals were able to protect the dam by filling it with sandbags overnight.
Emdadul Haque, a resident near the Soladi Spur Dam-2, said, “I couldn’t sleep due to the roar of the water. Water was flowing over the bridge part of the spur dam, and the dam was shaking. We feared it might be washed away. Locals stayed up all night, protecting the dam by filling it with sandbags. Flood nights are sleepless for the people of the Teesta basin.”
Majidul Islam, a farmer from Gobardhan village, stated, “For two nights, the water in the Teesta River has been rising. Our village is submerged, and we need to travel by boat to go from house to house. The submerged aman paddy faces severe damage. I’m worried. If the water stays longer, the paddy plants will rot and be destroyed.”
Another resident from the same village, Abdur Rashid Chhoto, added, “Every house in the village is knee-deep in water. We are suffering immensely with our children and the elderly. Although we are in dire need of dry food, none has arrived yet. No one has come to check on us during this flood.”
Mashiur Rahman, Chairman of the Dauabari Union Parishad, said, “Around three to three-and-a-half thousand families in my union are trapped by the floodwaters. We have informed the upazila and district administrations. No dry food has been allocated yet, but once we receive it, it will be distributed.”
Abdul Majid, Panel Chairman of Mahishkhocha Union, stated, “Over 3,000 families in our union have been trapped by the floodwaters. We are trying to save the embankments by filling sandbags with the help of local residents.”
Sunil Kumar, Executive Engineer of the Lalmonirhat Water Development Board, confirmed, “At 6am on Sunday, the water flow at the Dalía point of the Teesta River exceeded the danger level by 2 centimetres, causing flooding in the Teesta basin.”
Lalmonirhat District Commissioner H M Rakib Haider said, “A few families have become stranded, and relief supplies will be distributed to them shortly. At the same time, we are monitoring the situation to prevent any further breaches of embankments or roads, and geo-bags are being used to safeguard these areas. The water level in the Teesta River has crossed the danger mark. If the flood situation worsens, the district and upazila administrations are fully prepared to tackle it.”
