Meghna continues to wreak havoc in Chandpur

Erosion by the Meghna river continues unabated in Harishava area in Puranbazar of the district town, forcing hundreds of people to transfer their belongings to safe areas on Sunday evening.

In a visit to the area, UNB correspondent found the authorities were trying to stop the erosion by erecting a barrier made of concrete cement blocks, stones, CC blocks, and sand-bags to protect the area. 

Strong river current, huge waves, and onrush of floodwaters from upper regions are causing the erosion, said the Water Development Board Executive Engineer Abu Raihan and Sub Assistant Engineer Ashrafuzzaman Khan.

UNB correspondent on Sunday evening witnessed Meghna devouring the basements of four Hindu Temples along with other houses in Harishava Road.

Contacted, Engineer Mohammad Rafiqullah told UNB that they have placed 2,500 geo bags at vulnerable points till 6 pm on Sunday. 

Sub Assistant Engineer Ashrafuzzaman Khan, who surveyed the depth of the river, said it was about 45 to 65 feet at different points of the erosion area, and a length of almost 200 meters had been eroded.

Another 500-meter area is under threat of fresh erosion as many cracks have developed in different spots.  

Meanwhile, hundreds of curious men, women, and children gathered at the erosion-heavy sites where police and DB men were deployed to prevent people from visiting or loitering around vulnerable points.

Local Councilor Md Ali Majhee said at least 35 families have lost their homes so far due to the erosion along 200 meters of the town protection embankment.

Many families are on the verge of becoming homeless, he added.