Local Correspondent From Nilphamari — In a major relief for the residents of northern Bangladesh, the water levels of the Teesta River have started receding significantly below the danger mark.
As of Monday afternoon, the river was flowing 17 centimeters below the danger level at the crucial Dalia Teesta Barrage point in Nilphamari district.
This marks a sharp improvement from Sunday night, when heavy upstream rushing water pushed the river 12 centimeters above the danger threshold, triggering localized flooding across multiple low-lying villages.
Rapid Improvement After Peak Flow
According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Center of the Dalia Water Development Board, the Teesta reached its peak on Sunday at 8:00 PM, flowing 12 centimeters above the danger level. However, the water levels began a steady decline shortly after.
The transition over the last 24 hours at the Dalia point—where the official danger level is set at 52.15 meters—showed rapid stabilization:
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Monday, 6:00 AM: Water levels receded to exactly hit the danger line.
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Monday, 9:00 AM: Dropped to 2 cm below the danger mark.
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Monday, 12:00 PM: Fell further to 15 cm below the threshold.
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Monday, 3:00 PM: Stabilized at 17 cm below the danger mark.
Floodwaters Retreat from 20 Villages
The sudden spike in the river’s water level over the weekend had temporarily submerged low-lying areas in at least 20 villages across the region.
The affected locations included East Chhatnai, West Chhatnai, Khaga Kharibari, Tepa Kharibari, Gayabari, Khalisha Chapani, and Jhunagachh Chapani unions under Dimla Upazila, alongside Kaimari, Shaulmari, and Golmunda unions under Jaldhaka Upazila.
Local authorities confirmed that because the water levels dropped rapidly on Monday, the flash floodwaters have already drained out of most of the inundated residential and agricultural plots.
Official Response and Precautionary Measures
The sudden swell in the Teesta was primarily triggered by heavy rainfall and mountain runoff from upstream regions. To manage the excessive flow and prevent severe structural pressure or prolonged flooding, authorities took immediate action at the barrage.
“Due to heavy upstream rainfall and mountain runoff, the Teesta water was flowing 12 centimeters above the danger level until Sunday night. Since then, the water has started to decrease. To keep the situation under control, all 44 sluice gates of the Teesta Barrage have been kept open.”
— Amitabh Chowdhury, Executive Engineer, Dalia Water Development Board
While the rapid retreat of the Teesta River has averted a prolonged flood crisis for Nilphamari’s vulnerable riverbasin communities, local authorities remain on alert.
The opening of all 44 gates remains a critical buffer as upstream weather patterns continue to dictate the river’s behavior during the active monsoon window.