The collapse of a Khulpetua River embankment has flooded vast areas of at least 10 villages in Assasuni, Satkhira, dampening Eid celebrations for residents.
On Monday, at around 11:30am, approximately 150 feet of the embankment near the house of one Abdur Rahim Sardar in Bishchot village suddenly collapsed into the Khulpetua River, confirmed a former union parishad member from Bishchot village, Ziarul Islam.
Thousands of bighas of fish enclosures have been washed away, he added.
Ziarul said: "On Monday morning, we were busy with Eid prayers. After the prayer, we learned that around 150 feet of the embankment near Abdur Rahim Sardar’s shrimp enclosure had suddenly collapsed into the Khulpetua River. The matter was immediately announced over the mosque’s loudspeaker, urging villagers to rush to the breach site. The villagers attempted to construct an alternative ring embankment through voluntary efforts.
"However, despite trying for over three and a half hours, we could not prevent the disaster. By 11:30am, the remnants of the embankment gave way under the force of the strong tidal surge, allowing water to enter the locality."
Local resident Shawkat Hossain said: "Water has already entered Bishchot, Ballavpur, Nayakhali, Anulia, and six other surrounding villages. Homes have been inundated, and fish farms have been washed away. If the embankment is not rebuilt urgently, the neighboring Khajra and Baradal unions may also be flooded."
Anulia Union Parishad Chairman Ruhul Quddus said: "Upon hearing about the embankment collapse in Bishchot village, I immediately visited the site. Around 150 feet of the embankment has completely disappeared into the Khulpetua River. The matter has been reported to the Assasuni upazila nirbahi officer and the executive engineer of Satkhira Water Development Board Division-1.
"However, the BWDB officials are currently on holiday, and they are trying to return."
Executive engineer of Satkhira BWDB Division-1, Md Sakhawat Hossain, said: "Upon receiving news of the embankment collapse, I have dispatched my department’s officials to the site. Immediate measures are being taken, and the higher authorities have also been informed of the situation."