Bangladesh, June 30 -- Heavy rainfall and the release of upstream water have caused the Teesta River to swell, inundating low-lying areas in northern region of Bangladesh, leaving 14,000 families marooned.

At least 14,000 families living in char areas in five northern districts have been marooned, said Ahsan Habib, Superintending Engineer of the Rangpur Water Development Board (WDB), reports UNB.

"The flood situation developed after India opened all 40 gates of the Gazaldoba Barrage.

The gates were opened on Sunday afternoon, causing the Teesta to flow above the danger level until around 11 pm," he said.

To ease mounting water pressure, authorities opened all 44 gates of the Teesta Barrage, inundating low-lying areas along the riverb...