Md. Kamruzzaman Khan Picklu, Chitalmari, Bagerhat:
Hundreds of houses and shrimp enclosures in Kharia-Arulia area of Chitalmari Sadar Union have been flooded due to cyclone Yaas in Chitalmari. Besides, there is a possibility of flooding of shrimp farms including innumerable houses in Dumuria and Raigram.
Chitalmari Upazila Parishad Chairman Ashok Kumar Baral, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Liton Ali, Upazila Project Implementation Officer (PIO) Apurba Das and officials of the Water Development Board visited the flooded and damaged areas around 3pm on Wednesday.
It has been observed on the spot that the ring embankment of Arulia village of Chitalmari Sadar Union broke around 12 noon on Wednesday (May 26) and flooded about 100 houses. It also flooded several shrimp farms. Due to the effect of water, the mini Sundarbans and its surrounding areas have been submerged. Locals are working to repair the damaged embankment through volunteer work. In addition, the Upazila Parishad and the Upazila administration have taken initiative to repair the damaged areas.
Sujan Roy, Sunil Roy, Mukulesh Dhali and many others, residents of Arulia village in Sadar Union, said the dam on the banks of the Chitra River near the Mini Sundarbans suddenly broke in the morning. At the moment, their village and surrounding areas have been flooded. Arulia Primary School and Secondary School have been flooded.
Chitalmari Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Liton Ali said that they have visited the affected areas and beside emergency assistance, steps have been taken to repair the damaged area quickly.
He said all preparations had been made to deal with Hurricane Yaas. Extensive miking is also done in the area to keep everyone safe.
In this regard, Chitalmari Upazila Parishad Chairman Ashok Kumar Baral said that urgent funds have been allocated for the repair of the damaged dam. Relief assistance will be provided to the affected families.
