Water levels in the Teesta, Karatoya and Brahmaputra rivers have risen in Gaibandha, while continued fluctuations over the past month have intensified riverbank erosion, washing away cropland and homesteads and leaving thousands of riverside residents at risk.
Intermittent River Levels and Erosion
Local residents reported that river levels have been rising and falling intermittently for nearly 40 days, triggering erosion at several points. Continuous rainfall over the past two days has also inundated low-lying areas, damaged earthen roads and affected seedbeds and standing crops.
Crop Damage and Infrastructure Threats
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), flooding has damaged crops on about 118 hectares across the district's seven upazilas, including 45 hectares of Aus paddy, 30 hectares of jute, 25 hectares of sesame, eight hectares of Aman seedbeds and 10 hectares of vegetables. The Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) data showed that, as of 3:00 pm today, the Teesta at Kaunia was flowing 48 centimetres below the danger level. The Brahmaputra at Teestamukh, the Ghaghat at Gaibandha town and the Karatoya at Gobindaganj also remained below the danger level. No river in the district has crossed the danger mark this flood season.
Erosion and Loss of Homesteads
However, BWDB said erosion has continued at 26 points in Sundarganj, Gaibandha Sadar, Fulchhari and Saghata upazilas. Hundreds of bighas of cropland and numerous homesteads have already been lost, while embankments, educational institutions and other infrastructure remain under threat.
Resident Concerns and Government Response
Residents in the worst-affected areas said many families have lost their homes and farmland. They urged the government to implement permanent river protection measures instead of providing only temporary relief. Deputy Director of the Gaibandha DAE Md Atikul Islam said continuous rainfall and flooding had damaged vegetables, Aus paddy and other crops, adding that farmers were receiving field-level guidance to reduce losses. BWDB Executive Engineer Md Shariful Islam said emergency geo-bags were being dumped to control erosion, contractors had been instructed to complete unfinished embankment works quickly, and initiatives were underway to identify vulnerable areas and undertake permanent river protection projects.
Why This Matters
The rising river levels and ongoing erosion in Gaibandha highlight the urgent need for effective river management and protection measures. The displacement of residents and loss of cropland not only impact local livelihoods but also strain the district’s resources. Permanent solutions are essential to mitigate future risks and ensure the safety and stability of the affected communities.
