Teesta swells, floods low-lying areas

The Teesta river is dangerously swelling, with water flowing four centimetres above the safe level at Teesta Barrage in Hatibandha of Lalmonirhat yesterday morning. It has inundated villages in the low-lying areas.

This was an improvement from Monday when the water level went 10 centimetres past the safe level.

Increased water flow from India has been causing the swelling.

Mizanur Rahman, executive engineer of Lalmonirhat Water Development Board, said the water level would drop if there is no further onrush of water from India.

Meanwhile, the floods have affected over 5,000 families in Char Gaddimari, Char Sindurna, Char Dawabari, Char Sholmari, Char Narsingh, Char Milon Bazar, Char Kalmati, Gobordhan, Char Nohali and Char Parulia areas.

Water from the river has inundated the roads in the villages and damaged paddy and vegetable fields. Due to flooded kitchens, many are having to eat only dry foods and suffer from scarcity of drinking water.

Mafiar Rahman, 65, a farmer in Char Gobordhan area of ​​Aditmari, told The Daily Star that there has been no cooking in his household since Monday while his cattle and goats are being forced to remain standing in water.

Sultan Ahmed, 56, a farmer in Char Dawabari, ​​Hatibandha, said his paddy field will be seriously damaged if the water stays for another day.