Continuous heavy rainfall and upstream hill runoff have caused the Teesta River to swell again. At 8 p.m. on Monday, the river was flowing 10 centimeters above the danger level (52.25) at the Dalia point of the Teesta Barrage, the country’s largest. Earlier in the day, the water level rose steadily, crossing the danger mark by evening. According to Amitabh Chowdhury, executive engineer of the Water Development Board’s Teesta Dalia Division, the water level may rise up to 20 centimeters above the danger mark within the next 24 hours, raising fears of a major flood.

As the water level increased, floodwaters began entering low-lying areas of Dimla and Jaldhaka upazilas in Nilphamari district. A bulletin signed by Mahmudul Islam Shovon of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre reported that water levels in the Teesta and Dudhkumar rivers in northern Rangpur Division have risen over the past 24 hours. Within the next 24 to 48 hours, parts of Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, and Kurigram may experience short-term flooding.

To maintain normal flow, 44 sluice gates of the Teesta Barrage have been opened, which could worsen flooding in Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, and Rangpur districts.