Four-hour Teesta river erosion destroys houses and displaces families in Northern Bangladesh

BANGLADESH-RE-1001

Four-hour Teesta river erosion destroys houses and displaces families in Northern Bangladesh

Bangladesh

Rangpur division

Kurigram

Majerchar village

2025

Ongoing

On 19 August 2025, rapid riverbank erosion along the Teesta River in Gharialdanga Union of Kurigram district destroyed at least 15 houses within approximately four hours (8:00 AM-12:00 PM). The erosion affected Majherchar and Gatiasam villages, rendering families homeless. Around 75-80 people were observed dismantling their homes and attempting to salvage belongings as the river advanced. Displaced households sought shelter on the edges of others’ land, embankments, or under open sky. Some families reported relocating to nearby areas including Sarishabari Dam, Char Dushmara, Char Ganai (Kaunia Upazila), and Gokunda Union in Lalmonirhat district. Reports also indicate broader ongoing erosion in the area, with up to 63 houses lost and approximately 150 houses affected over recent days.

Primary Climate Hazard Displacement

Direct

Climate

Hydrological

Sudden

Erosion

Temperature Rise / Heat

Yes

Teesta river floodplain / char area

80

15

Forced

18

permanent

Mixed pattern

4

mixed

Yes

Displacement spread across Sarishabari Dam, Char Dushmara, Char Ganai (Rangpur), and Gokunda (Lalmonirhat); some sheltering informally on others’ land.

mixed

No stable source of income

Subsistence farming, Commercial agriculture, Livestock herding, Fishing or aquaculture

limited

Local administration reported distribution of corrugated iron sheets and financial aid to some households; 30 kg of rice promised per affected family.

partial

Partial relief provided; no long-term resettlement plan identified.

Emergency Shelter, Food Assistance, Riverbank Protection Measures, Flood Control Infrastructure

Yes

No

Insufficient protection from erosion and lack of space for shelter. Demands for addressing a parmanent solution to this were raised.

Non-governmental organisation, Media

4 hours of erosion sees river claim 15 houses in Kurigram, leaving families homeless

https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/db8c6a4a1118

High