Thousands of people have become marooned as parts of low-lying areas close to the Teesta River banks in Nirphamari’s Dimla and Jaldhaka upazilas have been submerged due to onrush of water from the upstream and incessant rainfall.
Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre sources said the water level of Teesta River started to rise since yesterday morning due to increasing upstream water flow and heavy downpour in the area.
Sub-divisional Engineer (Ex-en) of BWDB at Dalia division Fazlul Huque said the water level of Teesta was 52.40 meters at Dalia point which was 26 centimeter above the danger mark. The danger mark at Dalia point was 52.40 meter.
The river is swelling fast as India opened all the gates of Gojaldoba barrage in the upstream to release the 'excess' water from heavy rain fall in its territories, Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) sources said.
In addition to water from India, heavy rainfall inside Bangladesh also added to the situation.
Local people said several chars (shoals emerged from the riverbed) and low laying areas went under water.
More than 50,000 families residing near the banks have lost their homes. Vast tracts of arable lands and academic institutions on lowlands have been submerged due to the rising rivers. Temples, mosques and local bazars near the banks are also under threat of flooding as the water level increases.
The locals expressed concern for their farmlands and crops, as they fear the lands could flood imminently. Additionally, over 50,000 families of 25 areas including Purbachintai, Khagakbari, Tepakharibari, Khalishachapani, Jhunagachi, Goinabari of Dimla upazila, Golmundu, Douabari, Shoulmari and Koimari of Jhaldhaka upazila, Hatibandha and Kaliganj of Lalmonirhat and Gangachara of Rangpur were marooned.
Heavy rainfall has made an embankment point of Teesta vulnerable at Bhaban Chur and Gopal Jhar points in Jaldhaka upazila. Most of the houses in those areas have gone under 2-3 feet water. The people there are suffering from dry food and drinking water.
Aminur Rahman, chairman of Bunogacha Chapani union council said
in the last few days at least 7,00 homesteads, including hundred of acres of arable land in the union were devoured by waters from the Teesta in Chhqtunama and Forestchar areas.
Khalishachapani UP chairman said 8,00 families of Purbabaishpur , Sati Ghat, and Pachimbaishpukur were victims of flood.
Purbochatnai UP chairman Robiul Islam Lithon said thousands of people in Jharsingh and Chhatnai had to leave their homesteads as the floodwater entered into the areas.
Mostafizur Rahman, executive engineer of BWDB's Dalia said the water level was 26centimeters above the danger level. But there is nothing worry, as the situation is not beyond control.
Water Development Board is trying to lower the water level by opening all the barrage gates, he added.
