Flood fears grip Lalmonirhat as Teesta River flows above danger level

The Teesta River has breached its danger level following upstream hill runoff and continuous heavy rainfall, submerging char areas and low-lying stretches along its banks in Lalmonirhat.

Locals fear the flood risk could escalate further if the trend continues.

Sunil Kumar, executive engineer of the Lalmonirhat Water Development Board (WDB), said Wednesday morning (August 5) that the Teesta's water level was rising steadily due to the upstream surge and excessive rainfall, triggering short-term flooding in low-lying areas adjacent to the river.

According to the WDB's 6:00am bulletin, the Teesta was flowing 13 centimetres above the danger level at the Dalia Point in Nilphamari, with the water level recorded at 52.28 metres against a danger mark of 52.15 metres.

The rising water has inundated extensive stretches of char land, cropland and rural roads across Lalmonirhat, leaving boats and rafts as the only means of transport in many areas. Residents allege that the prolonged neglect of proper repairs to river-protection embankments has heightened the risk of major erosion.

Kumar said the situation was being monitored around the clock, adding that residents in vulnerable areas had been advised to remain alert and move to safer ground if necessary.