Teesta River Surpasses Danger Level, All 44 Barrage Gates Opened

Heavy rainfall over the past few days, combined with flash floods descending from the hills, has caused the Teesta River to rise above its danger level. In response, authorities have opened all 44 gates of the Teesta Barrage to control the flow of water.

On Monday, 15 September, at 6:00 AM, water levels were recorded at 52.18 centimetres at the Dalia Point in Nilphamari, 3 centimetres above the danger mark, confirmed Amitabh Choudhury, Executive Engineer of the Dalia Division of the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB).

According to BWDB, the water level was 23 cm below the danger mark on Sunday morning but started rising from noon onwards. By 9:00 PM, the level was just 3 cm below the danger mark, eventually surpassing it early Monday morning.

The sudden surge in water levels has caused panic in Teesta riverbank areas of Dimla and Hatibandha Upazilas in Nilphamari and Lalmonirhat. Locals report that low-lying areas near the river are already being inundated.

Elected representatives have expressed concerns that further rises could submerge char lands and low-lying areas, potentially damaging crops and homes. Residents are moving livestock and essential goods to safer locations.

Rabiul Islam, Chairman of Tepakhari Bauri Union in Dimla, stated: “The water in Teesta continues to rise. Houses have not yet been submerged, but people are terrified.”

Amitabh Choudhury, Executive Engineer of Dalia Division, explained: “Due to heavy rainfall upstream and hill floods, the Teesta water level is steadily increasing. Since 6:00 AM, it has surpassed the danger mark. All gates of the barrage have been kept open to manage the situation.”

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) has warned that between 14–17 September, water levels in major rivers of the Rangpur Division may rise further. Specifically, the Teesta and Dudhkumar Rivers could exceed danger levels, posing flood risks to low-lying areas of Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Rangpur, and Kurigram.

Residents living along the riverbanks have been advised to remain vigilant and take necessary safety precautions.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have urged residents to stay alert and follow safety advisories.