Persistent rainfall over the past few days, sudden landslides from upstream India, and the unannounced opening of all gates at India's Gojaldoba barrage have resulted in a significant rise in water levels in Teesta River in Gangachara, Rangpur.
As a result, around 12,000 families residing in riverside areas, including 25 villages in the Char region, are currently facing waterlogging issues.
According to sources at the Bangladesh Water Development Board's control room, as of 6am on Saturday, the water level of Teesta River was recorded at 18cm above the danger level at Teesta barrage point and 12cm above at Mohipur point in Gangachara upazila.
The Water Development Board sources further informed that continuous rainfall over several days, coupled with heavy rains upstream in India, led to flooding in various parts of India.
In response, India opened all gates of the Gojaldoba barrage situated upstream, causing a sudden rise in the water level of Teesta River. At the same time, the rise of the Teesta water from the hills coming down from the upstream exceeded the danger level.
The water level of Teesta River remained close to the danger level from Saturday night until dawn. However, after noon on Sunday, the water level rose even higher, submerging around 25 villages in the Char area of Gangachara upazila under 3-4 feet of water. Consequently, approximately 12,000 families are now affected by waterlogging.
Rabiul Islam, executive engineer of Rangpur Water Development Board, acknowledged the rise in water levels and stated that on Monday morning, Teesta River was flowing 18cm above the danger level at Dalia Teesta barrage point and 12cm above at Gangachara. The water levels at Dalia barrage point and Gangachara are expected to increase further in the afternoon depending on the rate of rainfall.
Abdur Rauf, chairman of Kolkond union, reported that 1,200 families in Chilakhal, Char Matukpur, Binbina area, and 700 families in Shankardah, Char Ichli area of Laxhitari Union are trapped by water, with their houses submerged under 2-3 feet of water.
Altaf, former chairman of Gajghanta union, mentioned that 4,000 families in Chalapak, Jayadeb, and other areas are affected by waterlogging. Many families in the Binbina area have sought refuge on roads or higher ground along with their livestock and household belongings due to rising water levels in their homes.
Abdullah Al Hadi of Lottery union added that 2,000 families in Shankardah, Ichli, Jairamojha, and Bagerhat areas are also facing waterlogging issues.