Locals repair embankment in Satkhira

Tidal surge fuelled by super cyclone Amphan has badly damaged coastal embankments in Satkhira. Mud houses were ravaged and fish enclosures were washed away due to the breaching of the embankments. 

According to sources at the Satkhira Deputy Commissioner's office, around 57.5 kilometres of embankment was damaged in the district during cyclone Amphan.

Losing everything to the cyclonic storm, coastal people are now fighting for survival. In a bid to save themselves from further flooding, they are volunteering to repair the damaged embankments leaving their families in cyclone shelters.

The coastal Gabura union in Shyamnagar upazila of the district has been completely levelled as the whole union is now under water. 

Thousands of people participated voluntarily to repair the dilapidated Kopotakkho River protection embankment at Lebugunia area of Gabura union on Tuesday morning.

Mizanur Rahman, a resident of Lebugunia village, said, "The entire union has been inundated by water following the breaching of the dam. More than one kilometre portion of the dam has been compromised."

Aminur Rahman, working to protect the dam in the area, said, "The government has not taken any step to repair the dam as yet, we are working to protect it ourselves for the sake of our survival."

Saifullah, a member of Padmapukur Union Parishad, said, "This situation has arisen due to the negligence of the Water Development Board. They were reminded repeatedly, yet they had not taken any initiative."

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Satkhira SM Mostafa Kamal said work has started to protect embankments in coastal areas of Shyamnagar and Asashuni upazilas in the district. 
The Water Development Board said they would provide geobags and bamboos needed for the work, he added. 

Arifuzzamaran Khan, executive engineer of Satkhira Water Development Board-1, said, "We are giving synthetic bags and bamboos." 

Besides, some geobags will also be given. The dam that local people are repairing is very temporary. It will break again. The construction of the dam will start soon through the appointment of contractors, he added. 

Abul Khair, executive engineer of Satkhira Water Development Board-2, said work is underway to protect the dam with the help of villagers. 

"We have taken an initiative to build a permanent dam on the Satkhira coast," he said.