Floods in Lalmonirhat: Teesta River Water Levels Drop, But Hardship Continues

Although water levels in the Teesta River have begun to recede, thousands of flood-affected residents in Lalmonirhat district continue to face severe difficulties as waterborne diseases spread.

On Friday morning, the Teesta’s water level fell below the danger mark, offering some relief. However, the shortage of safe drinking water has triggered a rise in waterborne illnesses, adding to the plight of flood victims.

The Water Development Board recorded the river’s level at 51.92 metres at the Dalia Barrage in Hatibandha upazila, 23 centimetres below the danger mark as of 2 pm on Friday.

According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Center, heavy rainfall and upstream water inflow caused the river to swell starting Monday night.

Large areas of Lalmonirhat Sadar, Patgram, Hatibandha, Kaliganj, and Aditmari upazilas, as well as low-lying riverbank areas, were submerged, leaving nearly 10,000 people stranded.

The hardest-hit regions include Dahagram in Patgram upazila; Goddimari, Dowani, Choyani, Saniajan, Singimari, Sindurna, Holdibari, and Dowabari in Hatibandha upazila; Bhotmari, Shoilmari, and Nohali in Kaliganj upazila; Mahishkhocha, Gobordhan, and Bahadurpara in Aditmari upazila; and Khuniagachh, Kulaghat, Mogolhat, Rajpur, Borobari, and Gokunda unions in Sadar upazila.

Families faced extreme challenges as floodwaters entered homes. Women cooked meals once a day on temporary stoves inside their homes or on roads and embankments. Many villagers sheltered their livestock under polythene tents on higher ground.

Salma Begum of Gaddimari village in Hatibandha upazila described the situation: “The roads are completely submerged. Water reaches from our knees to our waists inside every house. Cooking, eating, living, and using toilets have all become extremely difficult. We cannot sleep at night. I am constantly worried about the children and fear someone might fall into the water.”

Sunil Kumar, Executive Engineer of the Water Development Board in Lalmonirhat, said, “Although the Teesta’s water level has dropped below the danger mark, it will take time for conditions to improve. Residents are being advised to stay alert.”

As of Friday afternoon, the river was 23 cm below the danger level. “We are monitoring the situation around the clock,” he added.