Residents have launched emergency repair efforts after the breach widened, while officials say inspections and work are being arranged to prevent further erosion and flooding.
A severe breach has developed in a water development board embankment in the Shreepur-Kurikahunia area of Pratapanagar union in Satkhira district’s Assasuni upazila, threatening to inundate 10 to 12 villages if the damage is not repaired quickly.
The breach began at around 3:00 am Monday, September 28, on the southern side of the Kurikahunia launch terminal and had expanded significantly by around 7:00 am, local residents said.
About 50 metres of the embankment has collapsed towards the river and canal, according to local residents. Part of the WAPDA road has also collapsed, making travel along the route risky.
Residents began emergency repair work on a voluntary basis from the morning, using sand and soil in an attempt to protect the damaged section and prevent further erosion.
“We have to live fighting with the river throughout the year. There is always fear in our minds about when our homes will be flooded. Because of the negligence of the Water Development Board, we cannot live in peace. Trees and crops have only just started growing in the area. If it is flooded again, everything will be lost. Thousands of fish farms will be washed away,” said Abdul Khalek, a resident of Kurikahunia village.
Nure Alam Siddiqui, a resident of Shreepur village, said residents had been working voluntarily since morning to tackle the breach.
“If the damaged area is not repaired quickly by filling it with sand, the breach could expand further and cause major damage. The Water Development Board usually starts work only after a breach occurs. No effective measures are taken beforehand, which is why we always have to suffer,” he said.
“The canal is directly in front of the area where the breach has occurred. If the embankment completely collapses, Pratapanagar union as well as the neighbouring Anulia union could also be flooded. We want the Water Development Board to take action quickly,” Siddiqui added.
Residents fear that if the breach is not contained quickly, river water could enter populated areas, causing extensive damage to homes, cropland and fish farms.
They have demanded urgent measures to stop the breach by placing sand and soil and called for permanent repairs to the vulnerable sections of the embankment.
Assasuni Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shyamananda Kundu said he had informed the local chairman to begin initial work as soon as he received the news. The Water Development Board had also been informed and would start work quickly, he said.
Abdur Rahman Tazkia, executive engineer of Satkhira Water Development Division-2, said officials were already on their way to inspect the site.
“We have already set out to inspect the site. A breach of approximately 50 metres has developed in the embankment. Work will begin very soon,” he said.
Meanwhile, local residents continue their voluntary efforts to prevent the breach from widening. They fear that without swift and effective action, the damage could spread further and create a major disaster.
