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Panic as Erosion Resumes Near Padma Bridge in Shariatpur
Tensions have gripped people residing in Majhirghat area under Purba Naodoba union of Zanjira upazila at Shariatpur district as fresh river erosions have taken a serious turn at the embankment to protect the Padma Bridge.
Locals said cracks became visible beneath the surface and caused the collapse of around 70 metres of the embankment into the river within hours on Thursday.
This comes just days after similar erosion in the area forcing many people to move their shops and establishments in a hurry.
Local representatives urged the residents to relocate them considering the situation.
As news of the fresh erosion spread, panic-stricken residents rushed to move their belongings, including household items and shop inventories, using vans and other means.
Over the past 48 hours, around 300 metres of the Padma Bridge protection embankment and more than 20 homes and shops have been devoured by the river, affecting over a hundred families.
Additionally, some residents have taken refuge with relatives while others were left homeless and forced to live under the open sky.
Meanwhile, the Water Development Board (WDB) has started dumping geo-bags along the riverbank to halt the erosion, with nearly 2,500 geo-bags deployed so far.
District WDB’s Additional Chief Engineer Shahjahan Siraj instructed the agencies concerned to take immediate measures to address the issue after visiting the spot, reports UNB.
Frustrated locals said the authorities make promises during every erosion season, but no permanent solution is implemented.
“If this situation continues, one day the entire village may vanish from the map,” said a concerned resident.