The Teesta river's water level was recorded 40cm above the danger mark at the Teesta Barrage point in Dalia, located in Nilphamari's Dimla upazila, at 6am on Friday.

It had marooned at least five thousand families of 15 char villages of seven unions of Dimla.

At least 500 families of Kelapara, Tapur Char and Chatunama Char had knee-deep water in their houses causing sufferings for families as well as cattle.

"Suddenly, the water came. As the water rose quickly, houses and stoves all went down. Now we can't drink water or cook at home," said Shefali Begum, a housewife of Kellapara village of Jhunagachha Chapani union of Dimla upazila.

Md Shahiduzzaman Sarker, chairman of Khalishachapani Union Parishad of Dimla upazila, said: "Around 1,200 families of Chhotokhata and Baispukur villages of the union were marooned as the water rose at night. These families spent sleepless nights in fear."

Dalia Water Development Board Executive Engineer Md Asfauddoula said, "The water of Teesta river is flowing 40cm above the danger level due to heavy rainfall in the local areas and upstream of the river in India for the last few days."

"All the water gates of the barrage (44) have been opened to keep the situation normal. Due to the rise in water, the flatlands of teesta river have been flooded and many houses have been damaged," he added.

The officer also said, "We have received predictions that the water will be above the danger level in the next 12 hours and after 12 hours, the water will start receding continuously."

Dimla Upazila Nirbahi Officer Belayet Hossain said, "I have visited different areas and seen the flood situation. Public representatives also have visited the area and are inspecting the people. At present, I have 20 metric tonnes of rice and Tk 2 lakh in cash for relief."