Heavy rainfall has increased the water levels of local rivers and streams, submerging low-lying areas and damaging crop fields as well as ponds in Lalmonirhat.
Fish farmers on Wednesday reported a delay in fish farming due to a lack of water in past months. They said their ponds were submerged right after fish fry were released into them, causing huge losses.
According to the Bangladesh Water Development Board's local office, rainfall and water from upstream have increased water levels in rivers. To reduce water pressure, 44 sluice gates of the Teesta Barrage have been opened.
At the Doani Teesta Barrage point, water was flowing below the danger level.
However, at the Kaunia Teesta Railway Bridge point, 73km downstream, the water was 18cm above the danger level at noon.
In contrast, at the Teesta Barrage point upstream, the water level was 20cm below the danger mark at 6am, 23cm below at 9am, and 27cm below at noon.
Mustafizur Rahman, Rangpur's chief meteorologist, said rainfall could persist over the next five days.
Bangladesh Water Development Board (Lalmonirhat) Executive Engineer Sunil Kumar said the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre has predicted increased water levels in Kurigram's Dudhkumar and Dharla rivers due to water from upstream and local rainfall over the next 48 hours. If the water level at the Teesta Barrage point does not rise, the water level at Kaunia Point may decrease after the evening.
Lalmonirhat Agricultural Extension Department Deputy Director Dr Saykhul Arifin said: “We have requested a list from the upazila, and once they receive it, they will take appropriate measures. The extent of the crop damage will be understood once they receive the list, but I hope the damage will not be significant.”
Lalmonirhat Fisheries Officer Mohammad Farukul Islam said: “A list of affected fish farmers has not been made yet. The upazila officers are preparing the list, which will likely be available by Thursday evening.”