Jamuna devours over 500 homesteads in Sirajganj

Erosion by the Jamuna River took a serious turn in Chowhali upazila of Sirajganj district in the last seven days, devouring over 500 homesteads, reports our Pabna correspondent.

A bridge at Brac intersection in Khaskaunia union collapsed due to unusual pressure of water on Monday afternoon, said Md Rafikul Islam alias Gani Mollah, chairman of the union parishad, adding that over 100 houses were eroded by the river on the day.

At least 10 educational institutions went into the river while 20 others face erosion threat, said Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Rezaul Bari.

Despite repeated pleas, Water Development Board (WDB) authorities are yet to take any remarkable steps to check the erosion, said Abdul Latif, a resident of Khaskaunia village.

Contacted, the UNO said they have already informed the authorities concerned about the matter.

Meanwhile, the flood situation in the district remained static.

However, the river was flowing 13.23 centimetres above the danger mark yesterday.

The floodwater entered the low lying areas of Sadar, Chowhali, Belkuchi and Shahzadpur upazilas, causing immense sufferings to the villagers.

"We are taking steps to repair the vulnerable point," said Sirajganj WDB Executive Engineer Sayed Hasan Imam.

According to our Gaibandha correspondent, the flood situation in the district remained unchanged although the River Brahmaputra was flowing above the danger mark yesterday.

On the other hand, a vast tract of croplands went under water in four upazilas.

At least 365 flood-hit families are facing for acute crisis of safe drinking water and dry food.

Meanwhile, the Jamuna erosion left at least 140 families in Fazlupur union homeless yesterday, said locals.

In Bogra, the flood situation at 15 villages in two upazilas of the district improved as the water of the Jamuna started receding yesterday, reports our correspondent.

The flood-hit people, who took shelter on roads and embankment, are suffering for acute crisis of safe drinking water and dry food.

Contacted, Shariakandi Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shakil Mahmud said 13 metric tons of rice have been distributed among 1000 families in the area.