At least 20 villages of Patharghata upazila of Barguna have been inundated by tidal waves caused by the new moon.
Already the rivers in the upazila are overflowing with water due to the monsoon and the tidal waves have caused additional damage. Burishwar, Baleshwar and Bishkhali rivers swell during the new moon.
Thousands of people of villages of Padma, Ruhita, Jintola, Badurtola, Koralia, Nij Lathimara, Chhoto Tengra, Gabbaria, Jhopkhali, Bholanathpur, Jogaikhali, Kalikabari, Gabtoli, Aliyabad, Jowarkoruna and Gremordon are now water-locked.
Abdul Mannan, a boatman from Padma village said the loss had been extensive since the embankments damaged in Sidr had not been repaired properly.
As such homesteads and crops in the field are under saline water. Fish hatcheries are also affected.
Rafiqul of the same village alleged the repair done was of no good. “The contractor did an eyewash. The dam cracks during full moon or new moon.”
Housewife Pakhi Begum said they did not have any dry land even to cook. “There is no one to look after us.”
SM Shahidul Islam, executive engineer of Barguna Water Development Board, said the embankment broke down because of pressure of the tidal waves. “Besides, some parts of the dam were also not repaired. We have appointed contractors to mend the cracks and hopefully it will be done in a day or two.”
Deputy Commissioner of Barguna Mir Jahurul Islam said: “I have visited the affected villages and distributed dry foods among 80 families. Rice is also allocated for them.”
He further mentioned that the Water Development Board had been requested for a permanent solution.