Water levels in the Teesta River rose above the danger mark on Sunday evening, flooding several low-lying areas in northern Bangladesh. Heavy rain and flash floods from upstream India have inundated villages along the riverbanks in Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, and Rangpur, leaving thousands of residents marooned.

According to the Water Development Board (WDB), the Teesta was flowing at 52.15 meters at the Dalia point around 6 pm—20 centimeters above the danger level. In response, all 44 sluice gates of the Teesta Barrage were opened to ease the pressure.

Officials said the water continued to rise late into the night as runoff from India’s Darjeeling and Kalimpong regions poured downstream. Vast areas under Dimla Upazila’s Purba Chhatnay, Khoga Khiribari, Tepakharibari, Khalisa Chapani, Jhunagachh Chapani, and Gayabari unions have been submerged, affecting nearly 5,000 people.

“Flash floods from upstream and heavy rainfall have caused several villages to go under water,” said Abdul Latif Khan, Chairman of Purba Chhatnay Union Parishad. “Around 5,000 people are now stranded, and if the water level rises further tonight, we will have to evacuate them to safer areas.”

Dalia WDB Executive Engineer Amitabh Chowdhury said, “The Teesta was flowing above the danger mark this evening, and there is a possibility it may rise further at night. Some low-lying areas are already flooded.”

Dimla Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Imranuzzaman said a portion of a local embankment was damaged due to rising water levels. “It is being repaired with assistance from the WDB. We are arranging dry food for people trapped by floodwater,” he added.