30,000 stranded as Khowai embankment breaches in Habiganj
Around 30,000 people across four unions in three upazilas of Habiganj district have been marooned by floodwater after incessant rain and hill runoff from the upstream caused the Khowai River embankment to breach. Sources at the local Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) said the river protection embankment collapsed in the Kaliganj area of Laskarpur union in Sadar upazila on Thursday evening.
The gushing water inundated villages in Laskarpur and Poil unions of Sadar upazila, Lamatashi of Bahubal, and Makrampur union of Baniachang upazila. Many affected families have started moving to safer places with livestock, furniture and essential belongings. Meanwhile, water from the Khowai River overflowed the Radhapur embankment under Baniachang upazila and rapidly entered the haor areas.
Besides, river erosion has worsened near Nalmukh Bazar in Chunarughat upazila. As the water level continues to rise, erosion is spreading quickly, putting at least 15 families of Rabidas Para under the Harijan community at serious risk. Several important educational institutions and government establishments also face threats from erosion. The town protection embankment at the Machulia Point on the Khowai River is also considered vulnerable, with local residents working day and night to protect it.
They are using bamboo as a temporary measure to strengthen the embankment. Locals have alleged that the risk has increased due to the Water Development Board's negligence in taking timely measures. In the affected areas, water reached waist level at many houses, forcing women, children, the elderly, and others to move to safer locations. Some have taken shelter at relatives' homes, while others have moved to local shelters and educational institutions.
Floodwaters also entered parts of Habiganj town, including Kamrapur and Danialpur. Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md Mainul Haque, Habiganj Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Abdullah-Abu-Zaher and other senior officials visited the affected areas and spoke with local representatives about the situation. Meanwhile, rising water affected the Habiganj-Mirpur road at several points. As many sections of the road went underwater, vehicle movement was severely disrupted.
Authorities fear that a further rise in water levels could completely cut road communication between Habiganj Sadar and Mirpur and nearby areas. Local residents have demanded effective steps to prevent erosion, adequate relief support and safe shelter for affected families. With water levels continuing to rise, fear of further flooding has spread across the area.
According to the BWDB, water was flowing 192 centimetres above the danger level at the Chunarughat Balla point of the Khowai River, 113 centimetres above at the Shayestaganj point and 140 centimetres above at the Machulia point on Thursday. Water has also crossed the danger level at some points of the Kushiyara River. Sadar UNO Abdullah-Abu-Zaher said the flood situation is being monitored round the clock and preparations are underway for necessary relief and rescue operations.
District administration sources said a control room has been opened to monitor the situation. They informed that Tk 5 lakh, 100 tonnes of rice and 1,820 packets of dry food are currently available for emergency response.
