Cyclone 'Asani': Satkhira's Assasuni Embankment at Risk

Although the condition of the embankment is bad in many places including Pratapnagar, Sriula, and Assasuni of Assasuni upazila of Satkhira, three points are in the most dangerous condition. Locals are worried about what will happen if cyclone 'Asani' hits these points.

People in the area have been worried since the cyclone was forecast. But people in Assasuni and Pratapnagar Unions in particular are more worried.

According to the locals, the embankment adjacent to the Sundarbans Hatchery in Dayarghat village of Assasuni Sadar has become very low. A slight tide filled the shoreline. For the time being, if more sand-filled geo-bags are arranged, there is no possibility of water entering the locality by crossing the embankment in the tidal wave.

On the other hand, there is no Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) embankment of about 650 meters from the front of the house of Montu Mandal of Dayarghat village to the house of Baburam Sana of Balabaria village. It has been like this for almost 25 years after it collapsed in 1995. At present, tidal water has been blocked through Balabaria Baragher road.  

On the east side of this road up to the river there are several fishing grounds. Locals fear that the cyclone could break the embankment of Char and allow water to enter. Once the water enters, the water can enter Assasuni village by crossing the low ring dam in front of the houses of Muhuri, Bibhuti Bhushan Roy and Tarak Mandal. Therefore, the locals have strongly demanded the concerned authorities to drop the soil or sand-filled geo-bags and raise the ring dam before the storm hits it.

On the other hand, the condition of Kurikahunia launch ghat, Mandarbaria, and Ruiarbil embankments in Pratapnagar are also alarming. It is not possible for dams to survive in these places if big storms and tidal waves hit.

Besides, the condition of the embankment in the isolated area of ​​Sriula Union, Anulia is not without fear. There is a risk of embankment in different places of Budhahata Union, Baradal Union including these places. The locals feel that it is important to take effective measures to bring the matter under immediate control.

Meanwhile, the Upazila Disaster Management Committee held a preparatory meeting on Sunday (May 8) at the initiative of the Upazila administration.

Member Secretary of the Committee Project Implementation Officer Sohag Hossain said that the meeting is not usually called till the warning signal No. 4 is received. Nevertheless, we have held a preparatory meeting with utmost importance on the issue. At the meeting, I requested the UP chairmen to be ready to deal with the disaster.

Asashuni Upazila Nirbahi Officer Yanur Rahman said that the rains have started due to the cyclone 'Asani'. Extensive preparations have been made for this. In the meantime, emergency meetings, boats and dry food have been prepared with the chairman and members of the concerned areas. The Water Development Board has been informed by identifying important areas. All affected areas are being contacted round the clock through the appointment of tag officers.