Dam collapses in Sherpur flooding 15 villages

A flood control embankment collapsed due to strong current in the Moharashi River caused by an onrush of water from upstream, inundating 15 villages under four unions in Jhenigati upazila of Sherpur district with water on early Saturday. Following the collapse of 70 to 80 feet of the dam on Jhenigati-Rangtia road, Upazila Parishad and Jhenigati Bazar went under 2 to 4 feet water around 8am, said Upazila unit Awami League General Secretary Amiruzzaman Lebu. Locals said low-lying areas of 15 villages of Dhanshail, Sadar, Malijhikanda and Hatibanda union in Jhenigati upazila of Sherpur suffered flash floods following the onrush of water from the hills. As a result, panic is spreading among people by the river banks. Jhenigati Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Farhana Karim said the massive influx of water from upstream due to heavy rain caused breaches in the embankment. Different areas, including Upazila Parishad and Jhenigati Bazar went under water, he confirmed.