Nearly 20,000 marooned as Teesta water flows 15cm above danger level

At least sixty-five chars (islands) and its villages have been inundated as the Teesta river water is flowing above the danger level. Owing to this, at least 20,000 people have been marooned with poor or no access to drinking water and basic amenities.

The water at Teesta barrage point in Dowani area of Hatibandha upazila has been flowing 15cm above danger level since 6:00am this morning.

Executive Engineer of Lalmonirhat Water Development Board Mijanur Rahman confirmed this information to The Daily Star this morning.

"The water level at Teesta dropped 5cm in the last 12hrs. It was flowing 20cm above danger level at 6pm on Thursday. Continuous rains have resulted in swelling of the river. If the water from uphill stops flowing, then Teesta water will go down in the next 24hrs. To reduce the pressure of water, 44 gates of the Teesta barrage have been kept open," said Mijanur.

A number of people living on the banks of Teesta river have been evacuated on Thursday night, said Lalmonirhat Upazila Parishad chairman Kamruzzaman Shujon.

"We are also keeping updates about those who are inundated and are providing them with dry food," he added.