Around 10,000 people have been stranded after two volunteer-built embankments along the Teesta River gave way in Rangpur’s Gangachara upazila, sending floodwater into several villages and putting homes, farmland and public infrastructure at increasing risk.
The breaches occurred in Ward No 8 of Nohali Union after a sudden rise in the river’s water level, allowing water to pour through weakened sections of the embankments and inundate surrounding communities.
A visit to the affected area found that the river had already washed away approximately 150 metres of the protective structures. Large areas of agricultural land are now submerged, while floodwater has disrupted daily life across several villages.
The erosion has also left more than 100 homesteads vulnerable, along with schools, religious institutions, roads and other local infrastructure.
Residents of Char Baghdhogra, Char Kachari, Chilakhal, Binbinia and Mukutpara said that many families have had to leave their homes. Children, elderly residents and livestock are among those facing the greatest difficulties, with many people seeking temporary shelter with relatives.
Local resident Monayem Hossain said, "Communities along the Teesta continue to suffer repeated losses because of river erosion, yet a long-term solution has remained out of reach.”
He warned that if the main embankment fails, thousands more people could lose their homes.
While emergency measures such as geo bags may provide temporary protection, he said, the area urgently requires a permanent embankment to prevent recurring disasters.
Another resident, Abdul Karim, said, "The river has already swallowed several homes."
He expressed concern that his property could be next, adding that losing his home would leave his family with few options other than moving elsewhere in search of work.
Mominul Islam, another resident affected by the erosion, said, "Repeated flooding had already destroyed houses, farmland, a mosque, a madrasa and educational institutions over recent years.”
He also said, "Local people were looking beyond short-term relief and wanted a lasting flood protection system that could safeguard their communities.”
The Bangladesh Water Development Board (WDB) has begun emergency work to limit further damage.
Robiul Islam, Executive Engineer of the Rangpur Water Development Board, said, “4,500 geo bags had been allocated for immediate protection work and were being placed along vulnerable sections of the embankment.”
He added that additional geo bags would be supplied if required and said the situation was being monitored as a priority.
Gangachara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mosammat Jesmin Akter said, "Officials had inspected the affected areas and requested the Water Development Board to take urgent action to prevent further erosion and protect nearby communities.”
The latest incident highlights the continuing vulnerability of settlements along the Teesta River, where seasonal flooding and erosion regularly threaten lives, livelihoods and essential infrastructure. Local residents say lasting investment in flood-control measures remains essential to reduce the recurring humanitarian and economic impact of the river.
