Embankment breach sparks flood fears in Satkhira

A 150-foot section of a flood-control embankment collapsed and fell into the river in Pratapnagar union of Assasuni upazila in Satkhira early Monday, putting several villages at risk of flooding.
The breach occurred around 5:30am on the southern side of Kurikahunia launch ghat in Sreepur area, according to locals. Residents have started working voluntarily to prevent further erosion and protect the embankment. They fear that 10-12 villages, including Kurikahunia and surrounding areas, could be flooded if urgent measures are not taken before the next high tide. Local resident Noor Alam Siddiqui said around 150 feet of the embankment had collapsed and disappeared into the river.
Pratapnagar Union Parishad Chairman Md Daud Ali said, “Around 150 feet of the embankment has collapsed on the southern side of Kurikahunia launch ghat. We are initially working with local residents to protect the embankment.” He said the Water Development Board (WDB) and the upazila nirbahi officer had been informed about the breach.
Abdur Rahman Taykia, executive engineer of Satkhira-2 WDB, said he visited the site after receiving the report. By noon, local residents had completed around 40 percent of the emergency repair work through voluntary efforts.
He said bamboo poles and geobags were needed to strengthen the embankment and that further measures would be taken after consulting senior officials.