Rampal: Hundreds of houses have been flooded after a breach developed in the embankment at Litur Char in Kaigardashkathi of Rampal upazila, leaving residents in severe distress as tidal water entered the area.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, affected residents formed a human chain at the damaged section of the embankment at noon today, demanding its immediate repair and construction of a permanent and sustainable embankment. Speakers at the human chain said the riverside embankment had remained in a vulnerable condition for a long time due to a lack of timely repairs and effective measures.
They reported that tidal water had already inundated at least 100 houses, with water entering the kitchens of many homes and creating shortages of food and safe drinking water. The flooding has also put Aman cultivation at risk. Locals expressed concern that more than 200 acres of Aman farmland could be affected if the embankment is not repaired soon.
Large areas of Aman seedlings have already been submerged, while several fishponds have been inundated, causing significant losses to farmers and fish cultivators. Residents said repeated breaches of the embankment had damaged homes, croplands, and fishponds over the years, jeopardizing their livelihoods and safety.
They demanded immediate temporary repairs followed by the construction of a durable embankment, as well as government relief and emergency supplies of safe drinking water for affected families. Several hundred residents of Kaigaddaskati Char, including Gaurambha Union BNP President Md Mujibur Rahman Joardar and other local leaders, took part in the hour-long human chain.
The residents also sought direct intervention from State Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam and Rampal Upazila Nirbahi Officer Tamanna Ferdousi to address the situation.