The water level of the Teesta River has risen to just one centimetre below the danger mark due to heavy rainfall and upstream inflows, raising fears of flooding in low-lying areas.
Wednesday (22 July), the water level at the Dalia point in Dimla Upazila of Nilphamari was recorded at 52.14 metres, just one centimetre below the danger level of 52.15 metres.
As the river continues to swell, water has started entering low-lying areas in several unions of Dimla Upazila, including Purba Chhatnai, Khaga Kharibari, Tepa Kharibari, Khalisa Chapani, Jhunagach Chapani and Gayabari.
In Jaldhaka Upazila, low-lying parts of Golmunda, Dauabari and Shaulmari unions have also begun to be inundated.
Rabiul Islam Shahin, chairman of Tepa Kharibari Union Parishad in Dimla, told The Financial Post that rising water levels had already started inundating low-lying areas. He warned that continued increases could lead to widespread flooding.
Amitabh Chowdhury, executive engineer of the Dalia Water Development Board, said the Teesta was flowing just one centimetre below the danger level as of 9:00am.
He added that the water level could rise further and that all 44 gates of the Teesta Barrage had been opened to help manage the situation.
FP/A
