The Teesta River has crossed its danger level by 3cm at Dalia point in Nilphamari, raising concerns of temporary flooding in the greater Rangpur region. The rise in water levels is attributed to heavy monsoon rains in the last 24 hours. Officials from the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) have warned that the water levels of the Teesta and Dudhkumar rivers may continue to rise, potentially exceeding their danger levels in several locations within the next 24 to 48 hours.
Current Situation and Forecast
According to BWDB officials, the water level of the Teesta River in the Rangpur region has increased significantly, while the Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers have remained stable. The Teesta River was flowing 3cm above its danger level at Dalia point as of 6 pm today, following an 8cm rise in the last three hours. Earlier, it was 5cm below the danger level at 3 pm.
The Flood Forecasting and Warning Center (FFWC) of BWDB has forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall over the Sylhet, Mymensingh, and Rangpur divisions, as well as the adjoining Indian states of Assam, Meghalaya, and West Bengal during the next 24 hours. This continued rainfall is expected to further elevate the water levels of the Teesta and other rivers in the region.
Potential Impact and Areas at Risk
The rising water levels pose a risk of temporary flooding in adjacent floodplains and low-lying areas. Specifically, the Teesta River in Gaibandha district and the Dharla River in Kurigram district may reach the Warning Level, leading to temporary inundation of nearby low-lying areas. Executive Engineer of the BWDB's Teesta Barrage Division Amitav Chowdhury has indicated that the Teesta may inundate low-lying floodplains and char areas temporarily within the next 24 to 48 hours.
Meanwhile, sporadic erosion of riverside areas has been reported along the Teesta, Dharla, Brahmaputra, and other rivers in Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Kurigram, and Gaibandha districts over the past few days. The BWDB’s Rangpur Circle Superintending Engineer Md Ahsan Habib has noted that while a temporary flood situation may arise in the low-lying char areas of greater Rangpur, there is no expectation of major flooding in the Brahmaputra basin.
Rainfall Data and River Levels
The FFWC bulletin reported significant rainfall in upstream Indian states during the last 24 hours, with Mawkyrwat recording 115mm, Mawsynram 111mm, and RKM Sohra 108mm. In Bangladesh, rainfall was recorded at various points including 209mm at Jamalpur, 165mm at Bogura, and 111mm at Kawnia. As of 3 pm today, the Dudhkumar River was flowing 97cm below its danger level at Pateshwari, the Dharla River 149cm below at Kurigram, and the Brahmaputra River 185cm below at Noonkhawa.
Why This Matters
The situation underscores the vulnerability of the greater Rangpur region to monsoon-induced flooding. Temporary flooding can disrupt local communities, damage infrastructure, and affect agriculture. Continuous monitoring and timely warnings are crucial to mitigate the impacts and ensure the safety of residents in the affected areas.
