Vast areas flooded as dyke collapses

Submersion of the gangway at Galachipa ferryghat during the high tide affected by full moon led to the suspension of road communication with Patuakhali district headquarters for hours yesterday. Photo: STAR

Tidal water yesterday marooned at least 300 landless families at three villages of Sukhchar union under Hatiya upazila.
The surge also damaged crops on about 700 acres of land at Nall Chira, Kela Danga and Sukhchar.
Anowar Hossain, president of Workers Party unit in Hatiya upazila and a local said that a powerful tidal surge hit Sukhchar union embankment at about 5:00 pm.
The embankment collapsed giving way to tidal water which submerged the three villages, he added.
At least 300 landless people became marooned while peanut, pulse, water melon, cucumber, pumpkin and other crops and vegetables on 700 acres went under water.
Prof Wali Ullah, chairman, Hatiya upazila parishad said he had no fund to help them.
"But I am trying to communicate with deputy commissioner of Noakhali for aid.
The situation might deteriorate at night with fresh tide in the Meghna River," he said.
Md Harunur Rashid, upazila nirbahi officer of Hatiya said although he heard the news but he was unable to visit the affected areas due to union election work.
"I will visit the place as early as possible," he added.
Subhash Chandra Paul, officer-in-charge of Hatiya police station termed the situation worse.
"The tide will continue for two more days because of full moon," he added.
In Patuakhali, low-lying areas of three upazilas went under saline water due to tidal surge, reports our correspondent.
Due to influence of new moon, the tidal water flooded Galachipa, Baufal and Dashmina upazilas damaging crops on hundreds of acres.