Around 10,000 families across five upazilas in Lalmonirhat became waterlogged as low-lying and char areas have been inundated following a sudden rise in the Teesta River triggered by upstream hill runoff and continuous rainfall.
Residents in riverine areas are facing severe hardship as floodwater entered homes and submerged rural roads, disrupting normal life. Agricultural lands, including groundnut and vegetable fields, have also gone under water.
In several char areas, household activities such as cooking have been suspended due to rising water levels.
According to the Water Development Board (WDB), the Teesta River at the Dalia Barrage point flowed 11 centimetres above the danger level on Monday night before receding.
Latest readings show the river now flowing 15 centimetres below the danger mark. However, officials said flood conditions persist in downstream areas due to sustained water pressure.
Local sources said heavy rainfall since Sunday night, combined with upstream water flow, led to a sharp rise in river water levels, inundating low-lying areas in Rajpur and Khuniyagachh of Sadar upazila, Doaniabari and Goddimari of Hatibandha upazila, and Mohishkhocha in Aditmari upazila.
“We woke up at night and found water entering our house. It reached near our beds and the cooking stove is submerged, so we cannot cook,” said Fazlul Haque, a resident of Goddimari char.
Farmer Soleman Mia of Mohishkhocha said his cropland, including groundnut and vegetable fields, had been submerged. “Even the road to our house is under water,” he added.
Riverbank residents said they face repeated flooding and erosion every monsoon season and demanded permanent dredging and long-term river management solutions.
Executive Engineer of the Lalmonirhat Water Development Board Sunil Kumar Roy said river levels fluctuated due to heavy rainfall in the upstream region.
He said emergency geo-bag dumping was underway at vulnerable points to prevent erosion, while the situation is being closely monitored.
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rashidul Haque Prodhan said lists of affected families are being prepared.
He added that 220 tonnes of rice and Tk5 lakh have been allocated for emergency relief, with preparations underway to distribute assistance to affected people.
