The authorities concerned have opened 44 gates of the Teesta Barrage fearing floods as the river is flowing very close to the danger mark in the northern district of Lalmonirhat.
As of Saturday afternoon, the water level was still 10 centimeters below the danger level.
Sources at the Water Development Board in the district said the water flow has been increasing since Friday and the water flow at the Dalia point was recorded 37 centimeters below the danger level on Friday evening.
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However, within a span of 15 hours on Saturday, it was flowing just 12 centimeters below the danger level.
As of 3pm on Saturday, the water flow at the Dalia point was recorded at 52.05 centimeters, almost at the danger level of 52.15 centimeters.
The rising water levels have started to inundate homes in the low-lying and char areas of five upazilas in the district.
Residents of low-lying and char areas along the Teesta River, including Gaddimari, Doani, and Saniyajan in Hatibandha upazila, Dhubni, Sindurna, Char Sindurna, Patikapara, and Dauabari in Singamari union, Votmari, Shailmari, Nohali, and Char Bairati in Kaliganj upazila, Mahishkhocha and Gobardhan in Aditmari upazila, and Khuniagachh, Kalmati, Rajpur, and Gokunda in the Sadar upazila, are in a state of panic.
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Asaf Ud Doula, executive engineer of the Dalia division of the Water Development Board, said the water level in the river has started to rise due to upstream flow.
It was decided to open the 44 gates of the Barrage to manage the water pressure. Continuous rainfall has increased water levels in the river. If this continues, there is a risk of flooding.
Nure Alam Siddiqui, Aditmari Upazila Nirbahi Officer saidfamilies living in low-lying areas of Mahishkhocha have been struck by water due to the rising water levels in the river.
A list is being prepared through the chairman and relief assistance will be delivered to them, he said.
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