Floods and river erosion have created a critical situation in Kurigram
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Loading... - Abeer Dubey
- 30 Sep 2024
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Floods and severe river erosion have created a critical situation in Kurigram, Bangladesh, with the Teesta River flooding one side of the district and the Dharla River causing severe erosion on the other. The Khudir Kuti Akel Mahmud Community Clinic, an essential healthcare facility for marginalized people, was swept away by the river early Monday. Villages like Khutirkuti, Rasulpur, and Kabirajpara have seen 30 to 35 homes submerged in just three days.
Severe erosion in Begumganj Union has been rapidly devouring settlements, with Khudir Kuti Abdul Hamid High School and a flood shelter now at risk from the strong currents of the Dharla River. Over 50 families face losing their homes, with many already dismantling their houses to relocate to safer areas.
Mizanur Rahman Mandal, a local resident, described the situation as chaotic, stating that homes, mosques, and clinics have been destroyed by the strong river currents. Another resident, Noor Alam, expressed his frustration, saying the community clinic was lost to the river with no immediate solution in sight. Former UP member Mahubar, who also lost his home, stressed the need for urgent intervention with geo bags to protect at-risk structures like the school and flood shelter.
Union Chairman Bablu Mia and his family have also lost their home to the erosion. He shared that at least 40 families have been displaced in the last few days, including his brother’s household.
Local officials, including Ulipur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ataur Rahman and Deputy Commissioner Nusrat Sultana, have expressed concern over the destruction of homes and government properties. They have been in contact with the Water Development Board (BWDB), urging them to take swift action. Rakibul Hasan, Executive Engineer of BWDB Kurigram, confirmed that geo bags have been sent and will be deployed immediately to prevent further erosion.
