‘Roads are already flooded, we’re in trouble’

The water level of the Teesta River has surged due to a relentless downpour and three consecutive days of rain, causing widespread flooding in low-lying areas. 

Residents of villages along the banks of Teesta are growing increasingly concerned about the threat of a full-scale flood. 

In response, the Water Development Board has opened all 44 sluice gates of the Teesta Barrage, though the river is still flowing below the danger line.

As of 9:00am on Saturday (September 28), the water level at the Teesta Barrage stood at 52.00 cm, just 15 cm below the danger mark. 

The previous morning, it was recorded 32 cm below the flood line, signaling a rapid rise. According to Water Development Board officials, if the water continues to rise at this pace, it could soon exceed the danger threshold.

Floodwaters are already seeping into several areas of Patgram, Hatibandha, Kaliganj, Aditmari, and Sadar upazilas. Low-lying regions have been inundated, and roads in the Char areas are now submerged.

Villages in Patgram's Dahagram, Hatibandha's Gaddimari, Doani, and Chaichani, as well as char regions of Bagher and Dhubani, have been particularly hard-hit. Other affected areas include Patikapara in Sindurna UP, Haldibari, Daubari, and Bhotmari in Kaliganj upazila, as well as Shailmari, Nohali, and Char Bairati. Aditmari’s Mahishkhocha, Kalmati, and several Char areas in Folimari of Sadar upazila are also experiencing rising waters, along with Khuniyagach, Kulaghat, Rajpur, and Teesta areas in Gokunda union.

Abu Bakkar, a resident of Chikhani village in Hatibandha upazila, described the situation: "The water has been rising since morning, and now the roads are submerged. We're struggling to move around." 

Ariful Islam Arif, Chairman of Sindurna Union Parishad, confirmed that the Teesta's water level has been steadily increasing since the previous night.

Sub-engineer Mohammad Rashedin Islam of the Water Development Board’s Dalia branch said that Teesta’s water is currently flowing 15 cm below the danger level. However, with continuous rainfall, the river’s water level is rising rapidly.