The water level of the Teesta river crossed the danger level this morning due to the onrush of water coming from upstream in India, inundating the riverside and homes in low-lying areas.

Teesta water has been flowing 3cm above its danger level of 52.15 metres at Dalia Point of Teesta Barrage area at Lalmonirhat's Hatibandha upazila from 6:00am.

Meanwhile, the waters of Brahmaputra, Dudhkumar, and Dharla rivers continued to rise in Kurigram, but are still flowing below the danger level.

Photo: Star

Shunil Kumar, executive engineer of Water Development Board in Lalmonirhat, told our local correspondent that all 44 gates of the Teesta Barrage have been opened to reduce the pressure of water coming from upstream. As the Teesta water flows above the danger level, river water has started entering chars and low-lying areas of Teesta shoal.

Abdar Hossain, a farmer of Khuniyagach area of Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila, told The Daily Star that Teesta River water has flooded their homestead.

Day labourer Moslem Uddin, 48, of Bagdora village of the same upazila told The Daily Star that river water has entered his house and those of his neighbours. If the Teesta water rises a little more, they will have to leave their homes and take shelter somewhere safe.

Shunil Kumar said the water level of the Teesta River was fluctuating till last night. Teesta water crossed the danger mark this morning.

Abdullah Al Mamun, executive engineer of Kurigram WDB, told The Daily Star that the water in all rivers, including the Brahmaputra, is rising. There is no threat of flooding for now. However, the water in Dharla river is increasing. There is a threat of flood in Dharla shoal in the next 48 hours.