KURIGRAM, June 24 — Water levels in the major rivers of Kurigram continue to rise due to heavy rainfall and upstream runoff from India, raising fears of flooding in the district's low-lying and char areas.

According to the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), water levels in the Dharla, Brahmaputra and Teesta rivers have increased significantly in recent days, with the Teesta River approaching its danger level.

As a result, several low-lying areas and riverine islands (chars) have already begun to experience inundation, while concerns are mounting among residents over possible flooding and riverbank erosion.

Data recorded at 9:00 am on Wednesday showed that the Dharla River at the Kurigram point was flowing at 24.84 meters, only 1.21 meters below its danger level of 26.05 meters. At the Taluk Simulbari point, the river stood at 29.94 meters, just 0.93 meters below the danger mark.

The Dudhkumar River at the Pateshwari point remained steady at 28.75 meters, which is 0.85 meters below its danger level of 29.60 meters.

Meanwhile, the Brahmaputra River was measured at 24.56 meters at the Nunkhawa point, 1.49 meters below the danger level. At the Chilmari point, the river was flowing at 21.97 meters, remaining 1.28 meters below the danger threshold.

Particular concern surrounds the Teesta River, where water at the Kaunia point was recorded at 29.05 meters, only 0.26 meters below the danger level of 29.31 meters.

The situation has heightened fears of flooding throughout the Teesta basin if rainfall and upstream flows continue.

Over the past 24 hours, rainfall measurements reached 52 millimeters in Kurigram, 55 millimeters in Pateshwari and 33 millimeters in Kaunia, contributing to the rising water levels.

Floodwaters have already started entering several char and low-lying areas across the district. Local residents reported that fields of peanuts, jute, chili and maize have been submerged in some locations, threatening agricultural production.

People living along riverbanks are also increasingly worried about erosion and the possibility of widespread flooding if the water continues to rise over the coming days.

Md. Rakibul Hasan, Executive Engineer of the Kurigram Water Development Board, said the rising river levels are being driven by continuous rainfall and upstream runoff from India.

"Water levels in the district's rivers are increasing steadily. The Teesta River, in particular, is now very close to its danger level. However, no river has yet crossed the danger mark," he said.

"If rainfall continues in the upstream areas, water levels may keep rising over the next 24 to 48 hours. We are monitoring the situation closely and taking necessary preparedness measures," he added.

The official also urged residents living along riverbanks and in char areas to remain alert and follow instructions from local authorities as conditions evolve.