Heavy Rain and Flash Floods Increase Water Levels in Teesta River, Over 100 Families on River Islands at Risk of Flooding

Heavy rain and flash floods descending from the hills have caused a rapid rise in water levels in the Teesta River. There are fears of short-term flooding in the low-lying riverbank areas of Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, and Nilphamari. Over a hundred families living on river islands along the Teesta are in panic. Some low-lying houses and agricultural fields have already been submerged.

At 9 a.m. on Monday (July 21), the water level at the Kurigram point in the Teesta River measured 29.9 centimeters, approaching the danger level of 29.31 centimeters.

In response, the Water Development Board (WDB) has opened 44 gates of the Teesta Barrage to control the excess water.

According to a forecast issued by the WDB on Sunday evening, the water levels of the Teesta, Brahmaputra, Dharla, and Dudhkumar rivers are expected to rise further and may exceed danger levels within the next 24 hours. This has raised concerns about short-term flooding in low-lying areas of Rangpur, Nilphamari, Kurigram, and Lalmonirhat districts.

Rakibul Hasan, Executive Engineer of WDB Kurigram, said, “If the Teesta River exceeds the danger level, some houses and agricultural lands in the low-lying areas could be inundated. However, we believe the flooding will not be long-lasting.”

Parts of Hati Bandha and Goddimari unions in Lalmonirhat are already under water pressure. Local UP member Nur Islam said, “Since Sunday morning, continuous rain and water pressure from upstream have started to flood low-lying areas.”

Advocate Moshiur Rahman, Chairman of Dauabari UP, said, “If the water continues to rise, several wards in the union could become isolated by floodwaters. Some families are already stranded due to flooding.”

Nurul Islam, Level Measuring Officer of the Teesta Barrage, reported that water levels have been rising since Friday night. Accordingly, 44 gates have been kept open.

Meanwhile, Sunil Kumar, Executive Engineer of WDB Lalmonirhat, said, “Due to incoming water from upstream and rainfall, the river’s water level is rising rapidly. We are continuously monitoring the situation and will take swift action if necessary.”