Teesta water levels approach danger mark as flash floods threaten Nilphamari lowlands
Water levels in the Teesta River rose sharply on Saturday following heavy runoff from upstream hilly regions, heightening concerns of potential flooding among communities living along the riverbanks in Nilphamari.
According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Center under the Water Development Board’s Dalia Division, the river’s water level at the Doyani point in Lalmonirhat surged significantly between Friday evening and Saturday morning. Records show the water level climbed from 51.95 centimeters at 6 p.m. Friday to 52.10 centimeters by 6 a.m. Saturday. Although the level receded slightly to 52.02 centimeters by 9 a.m., it remained just 13 centimeters below the danger mark of 52.15 centimeters.
Local officials report that the rising water has begun to inundate low-lying areas, causing anxiety among residents of the Dimla sub-district. Rabiul Islam, chairman of the Tepakharibari Union Parishad, noted that while floodwaters have yet to breach residential homes in the river islands, the community remains on high alert as the volatile river conditions threaten to trigger a wider flood event.
Amitav Chowdhury, executive engineer of the Water Development Board’s Dalia Division, downplayed immediate risks, stating that the water level has begun to stabilize despite the earlier surge. He confirmed that all 44 sluice gates of the Teesta Barrage have been kept open to manage the flow, and officials currently describe the overall situation as normal.
