A Correspondent, Kurigram:

The Teesta River at Kaunia Point in Kurigram has risen, flowing 31 cm above the danger level, while the Dharla, Dudhkumar, and Brahmaputra rivers are also swelling.

The sudden rise in water has submerged low-lying areas, inundating paddy, peanut, and pepper fields, causing concern among locals about potential riverbank breaches.

According to the Kurigram Water Development Board, as of 9:00am, the waters of these three rivers were below the danger mark, but the Teesta was already flowing above it at Kaunia Point.

Officials predict that the Teesta’s water levels will begin to recede by the evening, with no immediate threat of the other rivers crossing their danger levels.

At Dalia Point in Lalmonirhat, the Teesta River is flowing two centimeters above the danger level, with a water flow of 52.17 cm recorded on Sunday (September 29) forcing the authorities to open 44 gates of the Teesta Barrage to manage the rising waters.

Meanwhile, hundreds of homes and unpaved roads in the lowlands of six unions in Rajarhat, Ulipur, and Chilmari of Kurigram, located along the Teesta’s banks, have been flooded. In Rajarhat alone, at least 600 families are stranded by the water.

The Kurigram Agriculture Office reported that more than 300 hectares of farmlands and seasonal crops are currently underwater.

Abdul Quader, a farmer from Khitab Kha village in Rajarhat, expressed his dismay, saying, “Half-ripe paddy on three bighas of land has gone under. I managed to harvest some, but the rest is submerged—it’s devastating.”

Another farmer, Noor Islam, added, “Our vegetable and peanut fields are underwater. We never expected the water to rise so quickly.”

Dr Abdullah Al Mamun, deputy director of the Kurigram Agricultural Extension Department, confirmed that about 300 hectares of crops have been affected by the flood. However, the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.

In Lalmonirhat, locals report that several roads, bridges, and culverts have been damaged in riverside areas. Fields of Aman rice and various vegetables have been submerged, with farmers fearing severe crop damage if the waters do not recede soon.

Additionally, several fish ponds have been washed away by the floodwaters.

Ziaul Haque Zia, chairman of Gaddimari Union in Hatibandha Upazila, stated that residents in six wards are trapped by the rising water. “A list of affected families has been sent to the Upazila Executive Officer,” he confirmed.

Shunil Kumar, executive engineer of the Lalmonirhat Water Development Board, noted that the Teesta’s water level at Dalia Point began rising early on Sunday, leading to floods in the surrounding areas.

Deputy Commissioner HM Raqib Haider assured that relief assistance will be quickly provided to those stranded by the floodwaters. “I am also visiting the affected areas to assess the situation,” he added.