Bangladesh
Teesta River Flood risk increases as Teesta water level rises
Own Correspondent, Dhaka, August 3: The water of the Teesta river has increased due to the hill slopes downstream and the rains of the last few days. As a result, there is danger of flood situation in Rangpur. In the meantime, the families living in the lower areas, Char and Dwipchar along the banks of Teesta have become waterlogged.
Due to the flood situation, the fields of Aman paddy, jute and various vegetables cultivated as fodder have been submerged. There is a shortage of clean drinking water.
According to the sources of Rangpur Water Development Board, the water level of the Teesta river has increased due to the downhill and has flowed 25 cm above the danger level at Dalia Point on Monday night (August 1). Unable to control the flood water, the Water Development Board opened 44 sluices of Teesta barrage. However, on Tuesday (August 2) morning, the water level of Teesta river decreased a little. At Dalia Point, 52.74 cm of water was recorded at 3 pm, i.e. 14 cm above the flood line.
Earlier at 12 noon, Teesta river water level was recorded at 52.77 cm at Dalia Point. At that time, water was flowing over 17 cm above the danger line.
Around 2,500 families of Nohali, Kolkond, Lakshmitari, Gajjhanti and Mornea Unions of Gangachara Upazila of Rangpur have become waterlogged as the water of Teesta River has crossed the limit. There is a shortage of clean water in these areas. Many have taken refuge in the dam with their household furniture and livestock.
Abdullah Al Hadi, Chairman of Laxmtari Union, said that most of the people in my union's wards have become waterlogged due to the increase in Teesta river water. Villages which were not flooded in the past have now been flooded. Char people's houses, trees, crop fields have been extensively damaged. 400 families in the West Bagerhat shelter area are waterlogged.
