Rangpur, June 29 -- 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).

"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.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from United News of Bangladesh....