Tidal surge washes away Tk 5 cr shrimps in Satkhira

About 200 feet of the coastal embankment at Khalsibunia has been damaged, inundating vast areas in 50 villages.

The worst affected villages are Naikati, Durmuzkhali, Paranpur, Kaikhali, Harinagar, Jyitindranagar, Tengrakhali, Chadnimukhi, Sora, Atulia, Pakhimara, Patakhali, Munshigonj, Bhetkhali, Golakhali, Jada. Waters entered the areas overflowing the embankment at several points.

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Many villagers have taken shelter on high lands.

At least 40 shrimp enclosures have been inundated in Gabura union following collapse of the embankment at Khalsibunia and another 30 in Munshigonj union as the embankment between Nekjania Girls School and Sonamukhi bridge was washed away by tidal surge. There was knee deep water at Burigoalinin BRAC office yesterday.

Cracks have developed at several points of the coastal embankment at Harinagar, Bhetkhali, Tengrakhali and Kaikhali. The embankment may give in, sources there said.

Sources there said the Signhertali government food godown is also threatened.

Over 800 people in these areas under the supervision of Munshigonj Union Parishad Chairman Asim Kumar Mridha, Gabura UP Chairman Safiul Azam Lenin and Nur mohammad Gazi of Munshigonj were working on self help basis to check the erosion at Khalsibunia, Harinagar and Kalbari by dumping sand bags.

Local people alleged that officials of Water Development Board did not visit the areas till Tuesday morning.

On contact, WDB Executive Engineer Zulfiqar Ali at Satkhira said, steps to repair the breaches can not be taken till water recedes.

Shyamnagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Wahiduzzaman visited the affected areas and assured the affected people of all possible help from the administration.