The Water Development Board (WDB) on Wednesday opened all the 44 gates of the Teesta Barrage to rein in the high water pressure, with the river flowing 60cm above the danger level.
According to WDB sources, the Teesta River was flowing 52.7cm above the danger level at Dalia point on Tuesday night, later rising to 60cm above the danger level at around 10am on Wednesday due to the onrush of hill water and heavy rainfall from the uppercatchement areasa.
The low-lying areas of Dahgram in Patgram upazila, Gaddimari, Singamari, Sinduna, Patikapara, Dauabari in Hatibandha upazila and Bhotmari, Soilmari, Nohli, Char Boirati in Kaliganj upazilas of the district have been flooded, affecting some 10,000 families.
Mafizar Rahman, UP member of Char Sinduna union in Hatibandha upazila, said: “We did not experience any flash floods during the dry season and the river water had dried up in the past two months, but suddenly, the water level has risen, triggering flash floods.”
Maidul Islam of Patgram’s Dahgram area, said: “The river water started rising since Tuesday night, inundating the paddy fields, roads and houses, forcing many people to take shelter in high grounds.”
Asfaudoula, executive engineer of the Water Development Board at Dalia point, said: “The Teesta water is flowing 60cm above its danger mark and the authorities concerned have opened all the 44 gates of the barrage.”
Besides, the residents along the river have been asked to take shelter in safer places.
Meanwhile, Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner Abu Zafor said that adequate measures have been taken for the flood-hit areas to help local residents.
