Md. Lavlu Sheikh, Lalmonirhat

A sudden surge in the Teesta River has triggered a flash flood in Dahagram union of Patgram upazila, washing away a vital regional road and cutting off communication for approximately 2,000 families.

The unexpected flooding began on Wednesday evening as water levels suddenly rose. By Thursday morning (August 6), waters began receding as the day progressed.

According to local residents, torrents rushing down from upstream caused the Teesta's water level to rise by 2 to 3 feet starting Wednesday evening. The Teesta flows from Dhabrahat, Mekhliganj, and Haldibari in West Bengal, India, entering Bangladesh along the southern edge of Dahagram union in Lalmonirhat's Patgram upazila. The rising waters inundated several areas across wards 1, 2, and 3 along the riverbank.

Around 500 acres of Aman paddy fields were submerged by the floodwaters. However, because the water receded within a few hours, no major agricultural losses occurred, according to the upazila agriculture extension office.

As the floodwaters subsided, the approach roads on both sides of the bridge over the Sakoa River in the Sristiyarpara area of Dahagram union's ward 1 suffered severe damage. Furthermore, a 20-foot stretch of the sole regional paved road connecting Sristiyarpara in ward 3 to Angarpota and the Patgram upazila headquarters collapsed, creating a 10-foot-deep crater. This rupture has completely halted movement and public transport for roughly 2,000 families across Dangapara, Mistripara, Prodhanpara, Olerpara, and Sakoapara in wards 2 and 3.

Lalmonirhat Roads and Highways Department Executive Engineer Debashish Saha told the media, "The road collapsed due to the strong currents of the sudden flash flood from the hills. We have visited the site and are working on it. The road will be repaired and made fit for movement within a day or two."

Patgram UNO Tanvir Hossain said, "Upon hearing about the road washout caused by the flood, I spoke with the executive engineer of the roads department. They have assured us that it will be repaired promptly."