Teesta River breaches danger level in Nilphamari following heavy upstream rainfall
Water levels in the Teesta River surged above the danger mark on Sunday evening following heavy rainfall and an influx of upstream mountain runoff, threatening low-lying areas in Bangladesh's Nilphamari district. According to officials at the Dalia Division of the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), the river was flowing 7 centimeters above the danger threshold at the Teesta Barrage point in Lalmonirhat by 6:00 p.m.
The rising water has inundated 15 char islands and low-lying regions across Dimla and Jaldhaka upazilas, including parts of East Chhatnai, West Chhatnai, Khogakharibari, Tepakharibari, Goyabari, Khalisha Chapani, and Jhunagach Chapani. While the flooding has affected agricultural fields and lower-lying land, local representatives reported that residential dwellings remain dry for the time being.
The water level showed a rapid increase throughout the day. Monitoring data indicated the flow rose from 51.95 centimeters at 6:00 a.m. to 52.03 centimeters by 3:00 p.m. Within a three-hour window ending at 6:00 p.m., the water level climbed by 19 centimeters, surpassing the danger limit of 52.15 centimeters.
Local officials, including Tepakharibari Union Parishad Chairman Rabiul Islam and East Chhatnai Union Parishad Chairman Abdul Latif Khan, noted that while the river is rising steadily, the situation remains under observation. Residents are bracing for potential further increases as the night progresses.
Amitabh Chowdhury, Executive Engineer of the BWDB’s Dalia Division, stated that the agency has opened all 44 sluice gates of the barrage to manage the pressure and mitigate potential damage. Authorities are maintaining a state of alert as they monitor the ongoing impact of the upstream surge on local infrastructure.
