Flood Concern Rises in Northern Bangladesh

After recent floods in Chattogram, worries about future flooding have now turned to Bangladesh's northern area as the region's rivers have begun to dramatically rise as a result of India opening all of the Gajoldoba barrage's gates.

The Teesta River was running above the danger threshold as of Saturday morning, causing some sections to already be submerged. As the water levels rose, several communities' residents became stranded.

Authorities warned that the situation is fast becoming worse and that severe floods might develop very soon if the water level keeps rising.

Dr AKM Saiful Islam, professor and director, Institute of Water and Flood Management (IWFM) of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) said: “Our monsoon season spans from June to September. During this time, Bangladesh usually faces regular flooding. About 70% of our annual rainfall occurs in this period.”

“Not just in our country, even some parts of northern India experience heavy rainfall during this time. Consequently, our flood situation here often depends on the amount of rainfall there," he said.

The flood expert further said that the Teesta River has a rapid water flow pattern – it quickly rises but also recedes swiftly. 

“Currently, at the Dalia point, the water level is above the danger mark. One of the primary reasons for this is that in July, rainfall was 52% less than usual, whereas Chittagong experienced intense rainfall within a span of five to six days,” he said. 

Stating that Bangladesh experiences some form of flooding due to monsoon rainfall, AKM Saiful Islam assured that major flood threats are less likely at the moment. 

“However, the monsoon remains active. We have seen floods even in September in 1998 and 1988. Hence, we must be prepared to mitigate damages,” he added. 

Since Saturday morning, the Teesta River's water level has been flowing 10cm above the danger level. At the Kaunia point in Rangpur, it has been recorded at 33cm above.

As a result, cultivated lands in the char areas and infrastructure in the low-lying regions near the riverbanks have been submerged.

Low-lying areas adjacent to the Teesta River in various unions and upazilas of Lalmonirhat have already been flooded. Many residents are currently trapped by the floodwaters.

Several areas in Lalmonirhat, including Dahagram of Patgram upazila, Saniajan, Goddimari, Sindurna, Paticapara, Singimari of Hatibandha upazila, Bhotmari, Kakina of Kaliganj upazila, Mohishkhocha, Palashi of Aditmari upazila, Khuniagach, Rajpur, Gokunda of the Sadar upazila, and areas adjacent to the Teesta River, have been flooded.

If the water level continues to rise, nearly 25,000 families across 35 villages in 15 unions of Lalmonirhat might face flooding.

Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ullah informed: "Some low-lying areas have witnessed flooding as the water levels rise. We are constantly monitoring the situation for those living by the river. All necessary preparations for disaster management are in place."

In Rangpur, water has entered around 40 villages in the Kaunia and Gangachara upazilas, affecting nearly 50,000 residents. Houses are submerged in three to four feet of water, and farmlands, including rice fields, are also inundated. Affected residents have sought refuge on higher grounds and embankments. 

The Rangpur Water Development Board has informed residents that the water level of the Teesta River might further rise, and residents in remote areas have been advised to stay in safe shelters.

Regarding the flood situation in the northern region, Sardar Uday Raihan, executive engineer of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre of the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), said: "The Teesta River's water is flowing above the danger level. The situation may remain stable for the next 24 hours, but there is a possibility of flooding in low-lying areas.”

“However, we anticipate the water level might decrease after 48 hours. The Jamuna River's water level is also near the danger mark, and an increase has been observed. The water level is expected to continue rising for the next two days, but severe flood conditions are not anticipated,” he said. 

“The Brahmaputra River is in a similar situation, and its water level might also increase over the next two days," he anticipated. 

In Sirajganj, the Jamuna River's water level continues to rise as well. Recently, due to a decrease in water levels, the water had started to recede in the wetlands inside the Jamuna. 

This brought some respite to the flood-affected residents. 

However, since Thursday night, due to heavy rain, the water levels began to rise again, causing renewed concern for the residents along the Jamun riverbanks.

Ranjit Kumar Sarkar, deputy assistant engineer of Sirajganj Water Development Board, stated: "Even with the mountain runoff and heavy rains, the water level of the Jamuna River had begun to decrease. But with the ongoing heavy rainfall, the water level is rising again, and the low-lying areas are getting flooded anew. Many people along the riverbank and in the wetlands are now living in fear of erosion."

Is this increase in water level a natural event? Sardar Uday Raihan commented: “Heavy rainfall occurred in West Bengal's Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Sikkim. The Gajoldoba barrage controls the flow of the Teesta River. However, we are not informed by India when it opens or shuts the barrage’s gates.”

“Consequently, we officially cannot say when the water level of the Teesta River will increase or recede. We rely on India to get information about river water levels. Primarily, the rivers are filling up because of the heavy rainfall. This is the information we have so far,” he added.

Source: DW