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A 50-metre section of a flood-control embankment has collapsed in Ashashuni upazila of Satkhira, raising fears of flooding in 10 to 12 villages in the area.
The breach occurred near the south side of Kurikahunia launch ghat in Sripur-Kurikahunia area of Pratapnagar union around 3am on Monday. By around 7am, the erosion had widened, sending a large section of the Water Development Board embankment towards the river and canal.
Part of the adjacent WAPDA road also collapsed, making movement along the route risky.
Local residents began emergency repair work on a voluntary basis, using sand and soil to protect the damaged section.
Residents said the embankment is vulnerable to repeated erosion and warned that a complete collapse could inundate Pratapnagar and neighbouring Anulia union.
“Thousands of fish enclosures could be washed away if the area is flooded again,” said local resident Abdul Khalek, alleging that inadequate maintenance by the Water Development Board has left residents at constant risk.
Nure Alam Siddiqui of Sripur said the breach could expand rapidly unless sandbags and soil were placed immediately.
“If the embankment completely gives way, Pratapnagar and neighbouring areas could be flooded,” he said, urging urgent action by the authorities.
Ashashuni Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shyamananda Kundu said he had asked the local chairman to begin preliminary work and informed the Water Development Board.
Abdur Rahman Tazkia, executive engineer of Satkhira Water Development Division-2, said officials were heading to the site.
“We have received information about a breach of around 50 metres and will start repair work very soon,” he said.
Local residents, meanwhile, continued emergency work to contain the erosion, fearing a major disaster if permanent repairs are not undertaken quickly.