Teesta River breaches danger level again, flood fears rise in northern Bangladesh

The Teesta River has breached its danger level for the second time this monsoon season, causing inundation in low-lying areas and riverine chars. This development has heightened concerns about potential fresh flooding along its banks, with authorities forecasting a short-term flood in the Teesta basin if the water level continues to rise.

The river began swelling on Monday afternoon and crossed the danger mark of 52.15 meters after 6:00 pm, according to the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB). At the Teesta Barrage (Dalia) point, the water level stood at 52.22 meters yesterday morning, seven centimeters above the danger level. This marks the second instance the Teesta has exceeded its danger mark this season, following a similar event in June.

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If the water continues to rise, a short-term flood situation may develop along the Teesta.

While water levels in other major rivers like the Brahmaputra, Dharla, and Dudhkumar remained below their danger levels, they were reportedly rising steadily. Shunil Kumar, executive engineer of the BWDB in Lalmonirhat, confirmed that low-lying areas and chars along the Teesta were already submerged. He noted that all 44 gates of the Teesta Barrage have been opened to manage the river's flow, contributing to the rising water levels downstream in Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, Kurigram, and Gaibandha.

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If the water does not recede within two or three days, the seedbed will suffer serious damage.

The rising waters have caused significant alarm among farmers. Afaz Uddin, a farmer from Aditmari upazila, reported that floodwater submerged his Aman paddy seedbed, fearing serious damage if the water does not recede within days. He attributed the frequent flooding to siltation, which has reduced the river's capacity to hold water. Mizanur Rahman, another farmer from Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila, described how floodwater entered his home, forcing his family to evacuate with their livestock. He expressed fear of a major flood, with Aman seedbeds being their primary concern.

Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rashedul Hoque Prodhan stated that the district administration is closely monitoring the situation and has advised residents in vulnerable areas to relocate to safer places. The BWDB is working to manage the river flow, but the recurring flooding highlights the ongoing challenges faced by communities along the Teesta River.

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Our char goes under water whenever the Teesta rises slightly. We cannot stay at home during such times. With the way the river is rising now, we fear a major flood. Our biggest concern is the Aman seedbeds.