Water in the Muhuri River rose above the danger level on Tuesday, triggering embankment collapses at five points in Feni’s Fulgazi and Parshuram upazilas, as it flowed 137cm above the danger mark.
Due to continuous rainfall and the rush of water from upstream, the river's water level rose suddenly, causing severe erosion at five points along the river protection embankment in the two upazilas.
Particularly, two points in the Jangal Ghona area of Fulgazi, along with Gadanagar, Derpara, and Sahebnagar areas, experienced erosion.
As a result, nearby homesteads, farmlands, and earthen roads became submerged.
Several families were forced to evacuate in the dark of night and move to a safe shelter.
Several local residents said the water rose suddenly at night.
When the embankment broke, water entered their houses, and they barely managed to escape with their cattle.
Deputy Commissioner Md Saiful Islam said: “Emergency measures are being taken to prevent further erosion by placing sandbags in the affected areas. A list of affected families is being prepared, and assistance will be provided.”
Additionally, Bangladesh Water Development Board Executive Engineer Akter Hossain Mazumder said: “The vulnerable parts of the embankment have been identified, and geo bags and sand-filled sacks are being placed immediately. The river's water level is still rising, but maximum efforts are being made to keep the situation under control.”
Local residents complained that the same points of the Muhuri River face repeated erosion every monsoon.
Temporary repairs or sandbag placements only partially reduce the damage, but in the absence of a permanent embankment, improved design, and long-term preventive measures, the problem persists, they said.
They added that it is time to move beyond repeated erosion and fear, and ensure long-term security.
The river is not only their livelihood, but it is their lifeline, they said.
