Pekua culvert collapses in flash floods

A culvert over the Kerenchhari canal in Toitong Union of Pekua upazila collapsed after days of heavy rain and flash floods, leaving around 4,000 residents cut off from road communication.

The culvert gave way on the night of July 9 as strong currents from hill runoff eroded its foundations. Local people have since been crossing the damaged structure on foot, risking their lives.

On-site observations showed that the approach roads on both sides had been washed away, with large cracks developing near the collapsed section. The concrete slab remains precariously suspended on two pillars and could collapse at any time.

Residents said the road is the only access route to several educational institutions, the union parishad, Bonkanan Bazar and nearby villages. The collapse has halted all vehicular movement, disrupting education, business and transport, while making it difficult to take patients to hospitals in emergencies.

Auto-rickshaw driver Abdu Shukkur said transport services had come to a standstill, leaving drivers without income. Businessman Chhaber Ahmed said the disruption had also affected local trade.

Local Union Parishad member Abdul Khalek said the matter had been reported to the upazila administration and the relevant authorities. He urged them to arrange a temporary crossing immediately and construct a permanent replacement culvert as soon as possible.

Residents demanded the immediate removal of the damaged structure, construction of a durable new culvert and the provision of an alternative crossing to prevent further accidents during the monsoon.

NU/ SKS