India has opened all gates of the Gajoldoba Barrage, causing a rapid rise in the Teesta River’s water level. At the Teesta Barrage point in Hatibandha, Lalmonirhat, the river is flowing just below the danger mark and may cross it at any time. According to the Water Development Board, heavy rainfall in India over recent days has led to increased water flow toward Bangladesh, raising fears of severe flooding in the district.

Officials reported that at 6 a.m. on Saturday, the water at Dalia point was five centimeters below the danger level. The flow, which had decreased earlier, began rising again from Saturday morning. Thousands of families living along the riverbanks in five upazilas of Lalmonirhat are at risk of being marooned as low-lying areas may soon be inundated.

Authorities have urged residents in riverbank areas to remain alert. The Teesta Barrage’s 44 gates have been kept open to manage the rising water, and the Water Development Board continues to monitor the situation closely.