Heavy rainfall and upstream water flow from India have caused the Teesta River to swell rapidly, inundating low-lying and char areas in Lalmonirhat district. According to the Water Development Board, the river’s level rose by about 80 centimeters in the past 24 hours, hovering near the danger mark. Although the water was six centimeters below the danger level at Dalia Barrage on Friday morning, it had flowed above the mark overnight.

All 44 gates of the Teesta Barrage remain open to maintain normal flow, but continued heavy to very heavy rainfall in northern Bangladesh and adjoining Indian regions may cause further rises. The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre warned that the Teesta, Dharla, and Dudhkumar rivers could cross danger levels at some points, leading to short-term flooding in Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, and Kurigram.

Residents along the Teesta banks reported sleepless nights as water surged from India without prior notice. Locals demanded that India issue advance warnings before releasing water from the Gajoldoba Barrage and urged quick implementation of the long-promised Teesta Master Plan to prevent recurring floods.