Photo : TDM
The Muhuri dam located in Phulghazi, Feni, has suffered a breach owing to the surging waters originating from the mountain streams upstream in India. This breach took place close to the residence of Enam Mia in the Baria village of Fulgazi Sadar Union within the upazila.
The incident occurred at approximately 8 pm on Sunday, triggering the inundation of the region. The floodwaters surged across the landscape, sparing little in their path. Not only were local homes and properties affected, but also vital community infrastructure. The nearby Phulghazi Sadar Union Parishad, and the vegetable market have both submerged with waters, compounding the challenges faced by the community.
Md. Salim, the local UP Chairman, reported that the embankment near Enam Mia's residence in Baria village began to rupture during the night, resulting in the area's submersion. The administration has been notified of the dire situation, and plans are underway to provide dry food assistance to the affected residents.
Syed Shamsad Begum, the executive officer of Fulgazi upazila, said that the water pressure within the Muhuri river has not yet abated. Consequently, concerns are rising among the communities situated along the riverbanks, as the potential for further breaches looms. To address the immediate needs of the affected populace, provisions of dry food have been earmarked for distribution within the impacted areas.
The unfortunate occurrence at the Muhuri dam exposes a larger issue that has plagued the region for decades. The collapse of the Muhuri river dam in Phulghazi, along with the Kahua river dam in Parashuram, under the relentless pressure of water from Indian mountain torrents, has recurrently devastated local farmers for over a century.
Despite the evident urgency and consistent hardships faced by the community, a comprehensive and sustainable solution to this persistent problem has remained elusive. As the affected residents strive to recover from the recent breach, the need for proactive measures to avert such disasters in the future becomes all the more apparent.
TDM/SD
