Heavy rains trigger fresh flood in 5 N-districts

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LALMONIRHAT, Aug 30 (UNB): Heavy rainfall and onrush of hill water for the last few days has triggered fresh flood in Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Nilphamari, Rangpur and Gaibandha districts.

Water-level in every river of the northern region has increased and started overflowing its banks causing untold sufferings to the people.

Sources said about 20,000 people have been marooned in 50 unions in 20 upazilas of these districts. Standing crops on 10,000 hectares of land also went under floodwater.

Besides, about 200 metres of the 6 kilometre long Guide Dam, near Flood Bypass of the biggest irrigation project Teesta barrage, were washed away by the river water Friday night.

Officials of the local Water Development Board (WDB) said necessary measures were being taken to protect the dam.

The WDB officials also informed that water of the river Dharala was presently flowing 39cm above the danger level while water in Brahmanpara have risen by 34cm in the last three days.

They said water of the Teesta River was flowing only 3cm below the danger level at Dhalia point, adding that the flood situation may deteriorate further if the incessant rainfall continues.