Heavy rainfall and mountain runoff from upstream have caused the Teesta River to overflow, flooding several low-lying areas in Kaunia upazila of Rangpur. According to the Water Development Board in Rangpur, as of Monday noon (October 6), the river was flowing 2 centimeters above the danger level at the Teesta rail bridge point. A section of the flood control embankment on the western end of the bridge collapsed, allowing floodwaters to enter Gadai village.

Officials said the water level began to rise early Monday due to heavy upstream flow. As a result, floodwaters entered several villages downstream of the Teesta Barrage, submerging large parts of Kaunia upazila’s riverine areas.

More than 300 families in villages such as Dushmara, Taluk Shahbaz, Purbo Nijpara, Gopidanga, Araji Horishwar, Char Prannath, Bishwanath, Horichoron Sharma, and Hoibatkha have been marooned as their houses went underwater.

Croplands of Aman paddy and vegetables have been submerged, while fish from ponds and enclosures have been washed away by strong currents. Riverbank erosion has also intensified, heightening fears among residents along the river.

At the Dalia point, the Water Development Board (WDB) said 44 sluice gates of the Teesta Barrage had been opened to ease the pressure from upstream flow, which further raised water levels downstream.

Kaunia Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Mohidul Haque visited the flood-affected areas on Monday afternoon and instructed Union Chairmen to prepare a list of affected families. He said the local administration has taken all necessary measures to face the situation and will begin distributing relief materials to flood victims through local representatives on Tuesday.