Erosion hits Tangail as rivers flow above danger level

Hundreds of people are afraid of losing their houses and land, as water levels of Jamuna, Dhaleshwari and Jhenai rivers have been rising above the danger level, flooding most of Tangail district.

The quick rise in water levels has started causing riverbank erosion, our correspondent reports quoting Water Development Board (WDB).

Shirajul Islam, WDB's executive engineer in Tangail, said that they are unable to assess the erosion caused by rising water levels.

"After water level reduces, necessary measures will be taken to control erosion," he said.

Water in Jamuna rose 8cm at Porabari point in 24 hours, till 9 am today, according to WDB, and it was flowing 34cm above the danger mark.

Water levels in Dhaleshwari and Jhenai rivers were 40cm and 60cm over danger levels, respectively, said the WDB.

Meanwhile, rising water level inundated new char and low-lying areas along the rivers in the upazilas of Sadar, Kalihati, Bhuanpur, Nagarpur, and Basail. Flood-affected people and their cattle took shelter in various locations.

Amena Begum, of Gohaliabari area of Kalihati upazila, said that she took shelter beside Bangabandhu Bridge link road with her family and cattle after her house was inundated.

"We lack dry foods, safe drinking water, toilet, and fodder for cattle. No one has come to us with any help so far," she explained.

Hazrat Ali Talukder, chairman of Gohaliabari Union Parishad, said around 100 houses, roads, mosque, embankments and other structures at five upazilas were already devoured by the rivers.

Dr Ataul Gani, deputy commissioner in Tangail, said activities to provide assistance to victims in the worst-affected areas began today. He also stated that medical teams are working in affected areas.