Cyclone Sitrang: Locals alarmed as Khulna dam damaged

Locals are in panic since the embankment in Khulna's Koyra upazila was damaged due to high tide and rain since midnight ahead of cyclone Sitrang.

The water level of the rivers increased by at least one foot than usual while at least 53 points of the embankment in Koyra, Ashashuni in Satkhira and Shyamnagar are at high risk.

Goutam Roy, a resident of Gatirogher of Koyra, said, "The dam can collapse any time. We tried to overcome after cyclone Yaas but now we are in danger again."

Sadhan Sarkar, another villager in the area, said, "We were under water for almost two years during Aila. Cyclone Amphan and Yaas have also affected us. The dam was repaired only a few days ago."

SM Shafiqul Islam, chairman of Koyra Upazila Parishad, said that "cracks developed at the left side of the dam in Harin Khola and Gatirgheri areas. Preparations are underway for the repair work of the dam. Since the tide has started to increase in the river, everyone in the village is in a state of fear and panic."

"If there is a strong wind, the riskier dams will be difficult to sustain," he said.

The repair work of the 50-km dam and the two-km river management work of Polder no. 32, the most vulnerable point in the Dakop upazila, was expected to be completed in June this year. The cost of the project is around Tk 150 crore. Before that work was completed, a new crack developed. Now a proposal of around Tk 152 crore has been sent to the ministry for the renovation of the structure.

Deputy Commissioner of Khulna Md Moniruzzaman Talukder said communication is being maintained with different upazila nirbahi officers including in Koyra, Paikgachha and Dakop upazilas. Everyone has been instructed to be alert so that those who are at risk can be safely evacuated. All preparations will be completed by today (October 24, 2022).