Bangladesh embankment collapse risks devastating floods

Residents of Chilmari upazila in Kurigram, Bangladesh, are facing renewed threats of devastating floods and riverbank erosion following the collapse of a section of the Brahmaputra River's right bank protection embankment.

The embankment, a critical lifeline for the region, has seen concrete blocks along nearly 150 meters in the Kachkol and Soroktari areas slide into the river since Wednesday night. This alarming deterioration has triggered widespread panic among locals, who fear a larger section could give way, endangering not only their villages but also Chilmari town.

For years, the embankment has shielded communities from annual floods. However, its deteriorating condition has led to sleepless nights for many residents. Despite informing local authorities, the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), and representatives, residents allege that no effective action has been taken to address the immediate crisis.

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This is not just the Brahmaputra’s right bank protection embankment. It is the lifeline of Chilmari. If it collapses, not only villages but Chilmari town will also face devastating floods and erosion. Immediate action is essential.

"This is not just the Brahmaputra’s right bank protection embankment. It is the lifeline of Chilmari," said Angur Hossain, a 60-year-old farmer. "If it collapses, not only villages but Chilmari town will also face devastating floods and erosion. Immediate action is essential." Meher Jamal, another resident, added, "We are living in constant fear. Sand-filled geobags need to be placed immediately to stop the erosion."

While the Kurigram Water Development Board's executive engineer, Rakibul Hasan, confirmed preparations to place sand-filled geobags as an emergency measure, he acknowledged the embankment's historical engineering shortcomings. Reconstruction or major repair work is planned for the dry season. The Chilmari Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Mahmudul Hasan, echoed the urgency, calling the embankment "the lifeline of Chilmari" and assuring that emergency erosion containment work would begin without delay.

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We are living in constant fear. Sand-filled geobags need to be placed immediately to stop the erosion. We have informed the Water Development Board, but no effective initiative is visible.