Water entering localities through embankments in Ctg

Localities in Anwara coastal area of Chattogram have been flooded by tidal waves caused by cyclone Amphan.  

"Water has been entering the area through the embankment since Wednesday evening but has not reached the houses yet", according to local people.  

Anwara upazila adjoining the Bay of Bengal has an embankment of about 8km which is being repaired currently. 

The areas of Paruapara lighthouse, Fakir Hat and Sarengar of Raipur Union, which are not paved with stones, have been flooded. People are terrified, said local resident Iran Bin Chabur. 

In addition, tidal water has been entering the Gahira Baraulia area through a breached embankment of about 200 metres.  

Anwara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sheikh Jobayer Ahmed said, "Work of about 150 kilometres of dam has not been completed due to the negligence of the Bangladesh Water Development Board. Only blocks have been placed there. So water has entered these parts."

Upazila shelter centres are open. Meanwhile, residents of the coastal areas were brought there. In addition, the infiltrated area is being monitored round the clock and rescue teams are working, he added. 

The Water Development Board said, construction work of 1,942-metre embankment is underway from Baigar Ghat to Chipatli Ghat in Raipur Union of the upazila. 

Anwara has an earthen embankment in an area of 2,150 metres. Water is flowing through that direction. A project to build a permanent dam in that part has already been revised and sent for approval. However, the project was not approved due to the Covid-19 crisis, said Water Development Board Chittagong Executive Engineer Tayan Kumar Tripura. 

In 1991, about 20,000 people lost their lives and millions of people lost everything in the Anwara coastal area due to the catastrophic cyclone and tidal wave.