A section of the Kholpetua River embankment in Bannyatala area of Ashashuni upazila in Satkhira has suffered severe damage amid cyclone warnings, prompting residents to work through the night to prevent further erosion.
At around 7pm on Tuesday, strong winds and powerful waves caused cracks and the collapse of approximately 350 feet of the embankment, with sections falling into the river. In some places, only one to one-and-a-half feet of the embankment’s width remains, raising fears of a major breach.
According to local residents, the situation deteriorated rapidly after strong winds and waves battered the vulnerable section. Residents used loudspeakers to alert people in the surrounding areas, prompting thousands to rush to the site.
In an effort to protect their homes and communities, residents began emergency reinforcement work using sandbags and geo-bags. The efforts continued throughout the night to prevent further damage.
If the breach cannot be contained, large parts of Pratapnagar Union could be inundated, potentially causing extensive damage to homes, property and livelihoods.
Residents alleged that thousands of geo-bags had been prepared for emergency use but were not deployed at the vulnerable section in time. They said the situation might not have deteriorated to this extent had effective preventive measures been taken earlier.
Ashashuni Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Shyamananda Kundu said he had informed senior officials of the Water Development Board and the deputy commissioner about the breach. He had also notified the UNO of neighbouring Shyamnagar upazila.
“I have received reports of the breach. The situation is very bad. I immediately informed senior officials of the Water Development Board and the deputy commissioner. I also informed the UNO of Shyamnagar,” he said.
The UNO added that local residents were carrying out emergency reinforcement work using geo-bags through voluntary efforts.