Water levels in the Teesta river at Dalia point have dropped below the danger mark after flowing above it for four consecutive days. But the plight of flood-hit residents in Lalmonirhat remains unchanged.
On Friday (15 August) at 2pm, the Water Development Board recorded the water level at 51.92 metres, 23 centimetres below the danger mark.
According to locals and the flood warning centre, water levels began rising on 11 August night following heavy rainfall and mountain runoff. By midday on 12 August, the Teesta crossed the danger level and remained above it for three days. The surge inundated parts of Lalmonirhat Sadar, Patgram, Hatibandha, Kaliganj and Aditmari upazilas, submerging low-lying areas and leaving around 10,000 people marooned.
Villages such as Dahagram in Patgram; Goddimari, Doani, Chhoyani, Saniyazan, Singimari, Sindurna, Holdibari and Dauyabari in Hatibandha; Votmari, Shailmari and Nohali in Kaliganj; Mahiskhocha, Gobardhan and Bahadurpara in Aditmari; and Khuniagachh, Kulaghat, Mogholhat, Rajpur, Borobari and Gokunda in Sadar were among the worst affected.
Although floodwaters have started to recede, new troubles have emerged. Waterborne diseases are spreading across affected areas. Families with elderly members, children and people with disabilities are in particular distress. Many households have built makeshift platforms inside their homes for cooking and sleeping, while others cook on roads and embankments. Cattle are being sheltered under polythene tents along roadsides.
“We have been trapped for four days. The Teesta has roared with fury from upstream, turning life into a nightmare. Families are spending sleepless nights,” said Farid Mia of Gobardhan village.
Salma Begum from Goddimari in Hatibandha added, “Roads are under water, and every house in our village is flooded knee to waist deep. Cooking, eating, sanitation – everything is difficult. We cannot sleep at night fearing children might fall into the water.”
Water Development Board executive engineer Sunil Kumar said, “Teesta water is receding after four days of swelling due to heavy rain and upstream flow. Although the water level is now below the danger mark, it will take time for the situation to improve. People must remain cautious.”
Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner HM Rokib Haidar said dry food and government relief rice have been distributed among flood-affected families. “Additional allocations have been sought, and monitoring is ongoing in all flood-hit areas,” he added.