Teesta swells again, fresh flood feared in northern districts

The Teesta River started to swell again due to heavy rainfall and onrush of water from upstream on Sunday, triggering fresh flood fears among farmers in the northern districts.

The water level at Dalia point in Hatibandha upazila of Lalmonirhat rose by 13 centimeters from 7am to 6pm, flowing just six centimeters below the danger mark, according to the Water Development Board (WDB).

Officials warned that the river could cross the danger level at any time.

All 44 sluice gates of the Teesta Barrage have been opened to control the flow while round-the-clock monitoring has been intensified.

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) said Teesta’s water is likely to rise further in the next 24 hours and may inundate low-lying and char areas in Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, Kurigram, Nilphamari, and Gaibandha districts.

Farmers in Teesta basin areas have become worried as they already suffered damages in three rounds of floods in August when their transplanted Aman crops were submerged.

After replanting Aman seedlings they now fear the fresh surge of water will again devastate their fields.

Nurul Islam, in-charge of Teesta Barrage control room, said, Teesta water at Dalia point was flowing six centimeters below the danger mark at 6pm today and Riverbank residents were asked to remain alert.

Sunil Kumar, executive engineer of WDB Lalmonirhat, said, “Due to rainfall and upstream pressure, Teesta’s water is rising rapidly. Low-lying areas could be flooded. We have advised riverside people to stay cautious and we are monitoring the situation closely.”