For generations, thousands of people have been living at risk along the coast in Bagerhat. When the water levels rise, parts of Rampal, Mongla, and Morrelganj upazilas are flooded and water enters homes, leaving them in suffering.

The existing embankments are relatively low, so they overflow during high tides, causing residential areas to flood. During storms and tidal surges, the suffering of locals in these areas becomes unbearable.

Among the existing embankments, 16 kms are in a vulnerable condition. To ensure safety during disasters, 359 shelters have been prepared that can accommodate 266,051 people.

Previously, super cyclones like Sidr, Aila, Amphan, Mora, Bulbul, and Fani left the coastal area residents of Bagerhat in a state of constant fear.

Despite knowing the risks, thousands of people in Sarankhola, Rampal, Morrelganj, and Mongla upazilas still reside along the riverbanks. Particularly in parts of Rampal, Mongla, and Morrelganj, the absence of embankments by the Water Development Board results in immediate flooding of residential areas whenever the tide rises, reports UNB.

The trauma of losing possessions and relatives has left these people perpetually anxious about disasters. Following Cyclone Sidr, their demand was for durable embankments. However, sustainable embankments have not yet been established in coastal areas. These residents have urgently called for the construction of durable embankments along the riverbanks.

On the night of November 15, 2007, Sidr's 15-16 feet high tidal surge destroyed the Baleshwar River embankment in Sarankhola, devastating village after village under four unions of the upazila. Children, adults, houses, livestock, fishing nets, and boats were washed away.

The tidal surge not only affected Sarankhola but also caused 100 kms of riverbank embankments to be washed away in various coastal areas, including in Bagerhat.

According to government records, Sidr’s rampage and tidal surge claimed 709 lives in Sarankhola alone. However, unofficial sources suggest the death toll was much higher.

Several riverbank residents in parts of Bagerhat expressed that they experience an unknown fear whenever they see clouds in the sky or water levels rising.

With no alternative, they are compelled to build homes on the riverbanks and live with their families. The news that Cyclone Remal might hit the coast has raised their anxiety levels. They believe that sustainable embankments would protect them from tidal surges. However, no embankments have been constructed yet, and they have urged the government to build them promptly.

Abu Raihan Mohammad Al-Biruni, Executive Engineer of the Bagerhat Water Development Board, informed that there are a total of 338 kms of embankments in the district.

Of them, only 65 kms in Sarankhola and Morrelganj have been constructed sustainably. Currently, 16 kms of embankments in Bagerhat Sadar, Morrelganj, and Sarankhola are in a vulnerable state, with 8 kms being highly vulnerable, he said.

Bd pratidin English/Lutful Hoque