Although water levels in Lalmonirhat’s rivers have fallen slightly, low-lying and char areas remain submerged. On Thursday, the Teesta River at Dalia Barrage was flowing 18 cm above danger level; by Friday, it had dropped below that mark. However, 20 villages in Hatibandha, Kaliganj, Aditmari, and Sadar remain flooded, leaving at least 7,000 families marooned. Many have taken shelter on embankments or in schools with their livestock. Croplands remain underwater, and 44 sluice gates of the barrage are open to maintain normal water flow.