The recent flood in Sunamganj has wrecked havoc on the roads, bridges, and culverts in five upazila of the districts.
Major roads in Sadar upazila, Bishwamvarpur upazila, Tahirpur upazila, Dowarabazar upazila, and Dharmapasha upazila were damaged by the flood completely, causing a great deal of trouble for the commuters, and the inhabitants there numbering around 1 lakh.
According to the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), a total of 12 major roads in these five upazilas have become unserviceable. These roads were submerged by rising river water levels, which was triggered by constant rain over the past few days. Besides, water from upstream, and landslides also contributed to the disaster.
The road infrastructure in Tahirpur has suffered the most damage. Roads have been completely submerged in water and became unfit for any sort of automobile movement. Now, people are using boats to commute.
Rafiq Mia, from the upazila’s Balijuri village, said: “The Anwarpur bridge has been damaged by upstream water from the landslide into the Jadukata River. At least 1 kilometre of the road has become unserviceable.”
Majid Mia, of Anwarpur village, said: “At least 50 vehicles of Anwarpur, and Balijuri areas have been stranded. Direct communication to Tahirpur from Sunamganj Sadar is severed.”
Idris Ali, of Tekerhat village, said: “The border area from Bariktila to Maheshkhali road has been damaged in at least 10 places. Boats are the only method of communication.”
Shasti Mia, of Borochhara area, said: “There are three toll stations in Borochhara, Chargaon, and Bagli. Hundreds of businessmen, and workers would normally travel through these stations every day. Now, they face interruption in communication.”
Tahirpur upazila council Chairperson Karuna Shindu Chowdhury—demanding prompt repair of the affected roads from the LGED—said: “This year, the water level has risen to a record level, and snapped communication of five upazila from the district.”
Sunamganj LGED Executive Engineer Md Iqbal Ahmad said: “The roads which have been affected by the landslides will soon be repaired, and made ready for transportation. The 43 kilometres road from Durgapur upazila in Netrokona to Sunamganj Sadar upazila is our top priority.”
