25 villages flooded after collapsing embankment in Hatiya

At least 25 villages in eight unions in Island upazila Hatiya of Noakhali have been flooded as embankment collapsed due to incessant rains for three days and abnormal tides.

Human settlements have been washed away, fish in ponds and Aush paddy have been destroyed because of the flood.

Locals said about 25 villages of Nijhumdwip, Sonadia, Tamarddi, Sukhchar, Charashwar, Nalchira, Harni and Chanandi unions of Hatia upazila have been inundated by continuous rains and abnormal tidal water since Wednesday.

Victims alleged that the areas have been easily inundated with tidal water in the aftermath of cyclone Amphan as embankment was not repaired this year. Besides, new areas have been flooded in Maijchara of Sonadia Union and Khirodia village of Tamarddi Union by collapsing the embankment. About 60 houses were washed away by the tide. Many are living in open space on the embankment.

Charaman Ulya, Bau Bazar, Chairman Bazar, Tupania of Nalchira Union, Nalchira Ghat area, Talukdar village of Charaishwar Union, Faraji village, Village No. 7, Maichcha Market area of Sukhchar Union were flooded because of damaging the embankment after Amphan. 

About 20,000 people have been trapped in these areas.

Charishwar UP member Kamrul Islam said tidal water was entering twice a day. Many houses have been submerged in the tidal water and the fish in the ponds have been washed away. Many have lost their homes and are living under the open sky. About 20 shops in Nalchira Ghat have been damaged due to waterlogging. Five shops were swept away by the tide.

Locals on Nijhum Island said most of the island was submerged by about five feet of tidal water due to the lack of embankments on Nijhum Island. The fish of enclosures has been washed away. In addition to crop damage, forest deer have moved to the locality.

Hatia Upazila Executive Officer Rezaul Karim said the Water Development Board has been contacted for quick repair of the embankment. Work will start soon when the fund comes.