Fresh breach in Khowai River embankment in Habiganj sends floodwaters into localities

A fresh breach has developed in the embankment of the Khowai River in the Kaliganj area of Laskarpur Union under Habiganj Sadar upazila.

The breach occurred at the same location just one and a half months after an earlier breach, triggering fresh panic among residents living along the river.

As water began rushing into nearby settlements through the breached section, more than 10 villages, including Kaliganj and surrounding areas, were inundated by yesterday afternoon (23 August).

Hundreds of acres of paddy and vegetable fields have been inundated, with floodwaters also submerging several sections of the Habiganj-Mirpur road and disrupting traffic.

Many passengers were seen wading through waist-deep water at considerable risk.

The water level in the Khowai River began rising rapidly from early yesterday due to an influx of water from upstream and the opening of the Chakmaghat barrage in India.

At noon, with the river flowing 140cm above the danger level at the Balla point in Chunarughat, a section of the Kaliganj embankment collapsed for the second time, sending strong currents of water into the surrounding areas.

Many residents have been moving essential household belongings to safer locations and attempting to relocate their livestock, while several families have been caught off guard by the sudden flooding and are facing severe hardship.

Locals fear that if the water level continues to rise, larger sections of the road could be submerged, potentially severing road communication completely.

The same embankment was breached on the night of July 9, inundating around 30 villages in Habiganj Sadar upazila and causing extensive damage, with local residents suffering financial losses estimated at hundreds of crores of taka.

The Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) subsequently undertook repairs to the embankment.

Residents blame delayed repairs for renewed damage 

Locals alleged that delays in completing the repair work left the embankment vulnerable following the initial breach.

With the river rising significantly above the danger level, the weakened section eventually collapsed again, according to locals.

Mokhlish Mia, a resident of the Kaliganj area, said, "After the embankment was breached last time, we expected a permanent solution. But the way the repair work was carried out made us fear that another breach could occur. Eventually, that is exactly what happened. We are now watching water pour into our homes."

He alleged that the Water Development Board and those responsible for the embankment repair work should be held accountable for the suffering of thousands of residents.

Afzal Hossain, a resident of Sughar, said the repair work had progressed at a very slow pace and that allegations of irregularities had also emerged locally.

"Had the embankment been properly and permanently repaired, another breach would not have occurred at the same location within such a short period," he said.

He said thousands of residents had already suffered losses following the previous breach, with homes damaged and crops submerged. 

"Farmers had subsequently attempted to recover by cultivating Aman paddy and various vegetables, but the fresh flooding has once again submerged their fields. The farmers of this area may no longer be able to recover from these repeated losses," he said.

Bikash Sutradhar, another resident of the area, said the situation could deteriorate further. "Previously, the river had breached the embankment at three points, allowing water to flow out in three directions. This time, all the water is entering through a single point. As a result, we fear the damage could be even greater than before," he said.

According to the Habiganj Water Development Board, the Khowai River is currently flowing 130cm above the danger level at the Balla point in Chunarughat.

"The situation has raised concerns over further breaches in other vulnerable sections of the river."

Saifur Rahman, executive engineer of the Water Development Board, said heavy rainfall occurred in Tripura, India, on Friday, prompting authorities to open the Chakmaghat barrage and causing the Khowai River to rise suddenly.

"We are deeply saddened by the situation. However, as the barrage has since been closed, the river level began falling from the afternoon. We hope the water level will soon fall below the danger mark," he said.

Regarding the damaged embankment, Rahman said adverse weather conditions had delayed repair work on the previously breached section.

"Once the situation returns to normal, we will take prompt steps to repair the newly damaged section," he said.

The latest breach has heightened anxiety among affected families, who have called for immediate repairs to the embankment, effective measures to control the floodwaters, and necessary assistance for those affected by the flooding.