Dhaka, Oct. 5 -- Relentless rainfall and upstream runoff have sent the waters of the Teesta River surging above the danger level, putting the low-lying areas on the left bank of the river, including Lalmonirhat, at risk of flooding.

Around 3pm on Sunday, the water flow recorded at Dalia Point of Teesta Barrage was 52.14m, which was 1cm below the danger level.

By 6pm, it had risen to 10cm above the critical threshold, according to Nurul Islam, a water level measurer at Dalia Point.

He said the Teesta's waters have been rising since morning, prompting the opening of 44 sluice gates at the Teesta Barrage to manage the flow.

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre added that the river may stay above the danger level for at least 12 hours...