Thousands evacuate homes as Teesta flows 25cm above danger level in Lalmonirhat

Thousands of people in low-lying areas under the Hatibandha upazila of Lalmonirhat, adjacent to Teesta Barrage, have left their homesteads this (August 1, 2022) evening as the Teesta River water has been flowing 25cm above the danger level due to the onrush of water from upstream.

Teesta water started rising suddenly from this noon due to the onrush of water coming from upstream, said Mizanur Rahman, executive engineer of the Water Development Board in Lalmonirhat.

Teesta water may increase further, Mizanur told our Lalmonirhat correspondent.

The river water has been flowing 25cm above the danger level at Teesta Barrage point at Doani area of Hatibandha upazila in Lalmonirhat since 6:00 pm this evening, said Mizanur.

As the water level of the Teesta has crossed the danger level, the river water is entering more than 50 chars and riverside villages of Patpagram, Hatibandha, Kaliganj, Aditmari and Sadar upazilas of Lalmonirhat from this evening, according to WDB sources.

Thousands of people in some villages of Gaddimari union of Hatibandha upazila, adjacent to Teesta Barrage, have left their homes and are taking safe shelter with their cattle and furniture.

Nabir Hossain (60), a farmer of Gonordhan village at Mahishkhochha union of Aditmari upazila, told this correspondent that the Teesta water has suddenly increased and the river water is entering the houses.

They are preparing to leave their homes and go to safe shelters, he said.

Advocate Mashiur Rahman, chairman of Dawabari Union Parishad in Hatibandha upazila, said people are being brought safely by boat from char areas due to Teesta's water level continuing to rise.