Even though the water level of the Teesta River has dropped below the danger level, the coastal towns are still submerged. Photo: BSS

LALMONITHAT, Aug 4, 2025 (BSS) - The water level of the Teesta River has started to recede gradually after days of heavy rain and upstream inflow, but thousands in Lalmonirhat remain marooned.

At 6 am today, the water level at the Dalia Point of the Teesta Barrage was recorded at 52.10 metres, which is 5 centimetres below the danger mark, according to the Water Development Board (Paubo).

The previous day at the same time, the water was flowing 5 centimetres above the danger level at the same point.

"All sluice gates of the barrage remain open to control the flow of water," Executive Engineer of Paubo Sunil Kumar said.

He said the water had risen sharply due to the continuous rainfall and upstream discharge, inundating char and low-lying areas across the district, leaving thousands of families stranded. Homes, croplands and fish enclosures were submerged, and many areas remain cut off from road communication, forcing people to rely on boats and rafts.

Newly flooded areas include parts of Patgram, Aditmari, Hatibandha, Kaliganj and Sadar upazilas. Specific unions affected are Dahagram, Gaddimari, Doani, Chhayani, Saniajan, Singamari, Sindurna, Haldibari and Dauabari in Patgram; Votmari, Shailmari and Nohali in Kaliganj; Mahishkhocha, Govardhan, Kalmati, Bahadurpara and Palashi in Aditmari; and Folimari, Khuniagachh, Kulaghat, Mogolhat, Rajpur and Gokunda in Sadar upazila.
Locals expressed frustration over the absence of immediate government response.

"Yesterday and the day before, it rained intermittently and then the water started rising. I'm struggling to protect my cows and goats. No public representative or official has come yet," said Riazul Hossain of Mahishkhocha union.

The Paubo official said an alert remains in effect in low-lying areas, and the situation may persist for two to three more days.

Meanwhile, residents of the affected areas have urged the government to provide immediate relief and support.