Dhaka, Oct. 6 -- Heavy rainfall and mountain runoff from upstream have pushed the water level of the Teesta River dangerously close to the danger mark.

The water level at the country's largest Teesta Barrage in Dalia's Baishpukur Point, Nilphamari's Dimla upazila, was recorded at 52.14 meters, just one centimeter below the danger level of 52.15 meters at 3 pm on Sunday.

Authorities warned that the water could cross the danger level at any moment. As a precaution, all 44 sluice gates of the Teesta Barrage have been opened, and a red alert has been issued for the Teesta basin.

Engineer Amitabh Chowdhury of the Dalia Water Development Board (WDB) added, "At 3 pm today, the Teesta was flowing one centimeter below the danger level. The wate...