Floods and river erosion have created a critical situation in Kurigram. While the Teesta is flooding one part of the district, severe erosion is taking place along the Dharla River at the other end.
The Khudir Kuti Akel Mahmud Community Clinic, which was the first point of treatment for marginalized people in the area, was swept away by the river early Monday.
Villages like Khutirkuti, Rasulpur, and Kabirajpara have seen the homes of at least 30 to 35 families submerged in the last three days.
An investigation in Begumganj Union revealed that severe erosion has been affecting the region for the past three days, with one settlement after another being devoured by the river.
Additionally, the only secondary education institution in the union, Khudir Kuti Abdul Hamid High School, along with the flood shelter, is at risk from the aggressive erosion and strong currents of the Dharla.
Over 50 families are currently facing the threat of losing their homes, and many are already dismantling their houses to seek safety.
Mizanur Rahman Mandal, a resident and organizer of the union, described the situation as dire, adding: "Everything is going haywire. From Ward No 2 Al Amin Bazar to Khutir Kuti Bazar and Kabirajpara, strong currents and erosion have wiped out homes, mosques, and clinics. If this continues, the entire area will be lost."
Another resident, Noor Alam, expressed his frustration, saying: "The community clinic went into the river last night (Monday). There's no solution in sight!"
Mahubar, a former UP member who recently lost his house, emphasized the severity of the situation: "My house is gone, the community clinic is gone. There will soon be no shelter or school. If some geo bags were deployed now, at least the school and shelter could be saved."
Not even local leaders have been spared. Union Chairman Bablu Mia and his family have also lost their homes. When contacted on Monday morning, the chairman was busy relocating his belongings.
"In the last two or three days, the houses of at least 40 families, including my brother's, have been lost to the river. Now I’m forced to move my household items," he said.
When asked about the destruction of local settlements and government property, Ulipur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ataur Rahman said: "I am extremely concerned as various structures, including government property, have been destroyed. I've been urging the Water Development Board (BWDB) to take action for the past two days. I will visit the affected areas myself."
Deputy Commissioner Nusrat Sultana confirmed the situation, saying: "The community clinic has been lost to the river. I've asked the BWDB to take swift action to prevent further erosion."
Rakibul Hasan, Executive Engineer of BWDB Kurigram, added: "We have received news of the erosion. Geo bags have been sent, and they will be deployed starting today (Monday)."
