Md. Morshed Alam, Shariatpur: 40 families have been left homeless by the erosion of the Padma River in Jajira, Shariatpur. Even though the erosion has stopped, the fear has not subsided among the erosion-affected people. They are moving their houses and taking shelter in safe places. The horrible weather has increased their sufferings. The Water Development Board has urgently begun work to prevent erosion by throwing geo bags. The administration has distributed cash, tins and dry food among the erosion-affected people.
Zainab Begum of Ochimuddin Madbarkandi village had built a house along with raising her two children. She lived in that house with hopes and dreams. But her house was destroyed in the sudden and terrible erosion of the Padma on Monday. The aggressive Padma has swallowed everything she has achieved in life. Zainab Begum is lost in search of shelter.
Jorina Begum said, “I built the house myself with a lot of difficulties. However, the house was submerged in water due to the erosion of the Padma River.”
Like her, at least 40 families have been left destitute in yesterday’s erosion. They are crying out on the banks of the Padma after losing their last properties. The wounds of the erosion are slowly opening. Many are moving their remaining possessions. Fearing erosion, people on the banks of the Padma are running in search of safe shelter with their homes and belongings.
The people affected by the erosion have complained about not getting any aid and have demanded a permanent dam. They said that the houses on the river banks have gone under water. Now they have to take shelter in other places. They also said that there is no fruitful action from the administration other than removing the geo bags. At this time, they demanded a permanent dam in the river.
There are all kinds of shops in this market at Majhir Ghat. Traders are having sleepless nights due to erosion in the market. Many have already moved their goods from their shops. They are tense about where they will go after the shops are demolished. Traders are demanding urgent protection of the market.
The traders said they have removed most of the items from the shop. They will remove the remaining items and demolish the shop.
The Water Development Board says the erosion is due to the change in the course of the river. The administration has stood by the erosion victims with money and dry food. The District Administrator has assured of arrangements for the construction of a permanent dam.
Shariatpur Water Development Board Executive Engineer Tarek Hasan said, “Food items were distributed last night to those affected by river erosion. Today we provided financial assistance and distributed tin. Through the Water Development Board, we have placed about 150 geo bags here, and another 400 bags are ready.”
Shariatpur Acting Deputy Commissioner Wahid Hossain said, “This erosion is mainly caused by the current. The erosion started yesterday. We could not start dumping last night, but we have already started dumping today.”
On Monday afternoon, a 200-meter section of the Padma Bridge construction yard protection embankment suddenly collapsed, engulfing 26 structures, including businesses and homes, in an instant
