Embankments along Sitakunda coast damaged in four areas amid rough seas, heavy rainfall
In the wake of a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal, rough seas and flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall have recently caused significant damage to embankments along the Sitakunda coast in Chattogram.
The Water Development Board reports destruction in at least four areas. Despite a decrease in rain, large parts of the upazila remain waterlogged.
Officials from the Water Development Board have confirmed that the combined effects of a full moon and low pressure have increased the tidal height by six feet above normal. This surge has damaged approximately four kilometers of embankments in the Sikdar Canal of Banshbaria Union, Akilpur Beach, Alekdia of Kumira Union, and the Ghoramra area of Sonaichari Union.
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Sitakunda, which boasts a 25-kilometer embankment, has seen its defences weakened significantly.
On Akilpur Beach in Banshbaria Union, the embankment has narrowed to just one foot in width in two places, threatening to collapse entirely. In at least 10 spots, block embankments have been damaged due to the shifting of blocks.
In Ghoramra, parts of the embankment have already collapsed, with similar damage reported near the sluicegate area of Sikdar Canal.
Local residents express concern over the situation. Jahangir Alam, a resident of Akilpur, blamed the extraction of sand from the sea for weakening the embankments. "If the tidal water rises again, the dam will break, and saltwater will flood the surrounding areas," he warned.
Arif Hossain, another resident, noted that recent repairs to the block embankments were inadequate, as sections damaged during last year's cyclone have been damaged again by block movement.
SM Tarek, deputy assistant engineer at the Water Development Board in Sitakunda, acknowledged the challenges posed by the monsoon season. "A project has been sent to the Ministry for the reconstruction of sluicegates and embankment renovation. However, sustaining the embankments during the monsoon is challenging," he said.
Tarek highlighted the need for heavier blocks that can withstand the pressure of waves from the Bay of Bengal.
Meanwhile, waterlogged areas in Sayedpur, Muradpur, Baraiardhala Union, and the municipal headquarters have begun to see some relief as rainfall has decreased in the last two days. Although the water levels have dropped by about one foot, some roads remain submerged.
Mosharaf Hossain, a member of the Syedpur Union Parishad, reported that his area has been waterlogged for the past week due to water flowing in from the upstream hilly area. He noted that the water began to recede yesterday, but full drainage might take another day or two.
Nurul Amin, a UP member from the Gulyakhali area, mentioned that local volunteers had managed to shore up a vulnerable embankment on Thursday. "While the water level has started to drop, it could take another couple of days for the area to dry out completely", he added.
Upazila Agriculture Extention Officer Mohammad Habibullah stated that agricultural lands in five northern unions of Sitakunda remain submerged. "The extent of agricultural damage will only be clear once the water recedes," he said.
As Sitakunda continues to recover from the latest spell of severe weather, the community remains vigilant, hoping for further relief in the coming days.
