Fresh Flood Warning Issued
Teesta Water Levels Rise Again in Lalmonirhat
Although the water level of the Teesta River had dropped and floodwaters had begun to recede from the inundated low-lying areas, the water level started rising again on Tuesday. — Agamir Somoy
While floodwaters had begun receding from inundated low-lying areas, the Teesta river's water level has once again started rising since Tuesday morning. The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre has said that the river's flow may exceed the danger mark within the next 24 to 48 hours, potentially triggering short-term flooding in adjacent low-lying regions.
From Sunday afternoon through midnight, the Teesta flowed above the danger level, inundating various low-lying areas across the district. Water entered numerous homes, submerged roads, and damaged croplands, causing severe hardship to residents living along the riverbanks.
According to the Lalmonirhat Water Development Board (WDB), at 6:00 AM on Tuesday, the water at the Dalia point of the Teesta barrage was flowing 30 centimeters below the danger level. By 9:00 AM, it had dropped further to 33 centimeters below the mark. However, within just three hours, the flow increased by 10 centimeters, bringing it to 23 centimeters below the danger level. By 3:00 PM, it had risen another 2 centimeters, flowing 21 centimeters below the danger threshold.
The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre has reported that due to an upstream surge, the Teesta's water level may continue to rise over the next 24 to 48 hours. This raises the likelihood of short-term flooding in low-lying areas adjacent to the river.
On Sunday, low-lying areas in five upazilas of the district were flooded. The water began receding from Monday, and by night, most areas had been cleared of floodwater. However, parts of Mahishkhocha in Aditmari upazila, as well as some char (riverine island) areas in Khuniagach and Rajpur unions under Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila, remained submerged on Tuesday. Several roads and farmlands in these areas were still underwater.
Deputy Commissioner Md. Rashedul Haque Main stated that the administration has taken all necessary preparations to tackle any potential flood situation. He confirmed that 220 metric tons of rice and approximately 5.5 lakh taka have been allocated to provide relief to the flood-affected people.
