20 houses washed away as Teesta erosion takes severe turn in Kurigram

The Teesta River has devoured at least 20 houses in Rajarhat of Kurigram over the last two days. Severe erosion is noted as the water has started to recede.

At least 300 more houses are currently under threat. Geo-bags dumped by the authorities to prevent the erosion are proving ineffective in the face of strong currents.

A spot visit to Char Bidyananda and Char Taiyabkha villages in Bidyananda union on Friday (July 17) afternoon revealed the scale of the devastation. The erosion has spread across a one-kilometer stretch along the river. Homesteads, trees, and vast croplands are continuously washing away.

Aminul Islam, a resident of Char Bidyananda, confirmed that 20 houses in the two villages were lost in just 48 hours.

A Taiyabkha villager, Azgar Ali shared his misery. He already lost his home twice into the river. He said, ‘My home is threatened yet again. If no one gives me shelter, I must remain homeless. I am already moving my belongings.’

Another inhabitant, Abdul Jalil said the East Char Bidyananda Government Primary School and two local mosques are on the verge of collapsing. If the school is washed away, children education will come to a halt. Authorities are dumping geo-bags now, but this should have been done much earlier. 

 

Aklima Begum, 60, expressed her despair. She feared her house would go into the river soon. She lamented that no one has come forward to help her.

Rajarhat Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Tanjila Tasnim said she has already visited the affected areas. She added that geobags are being dumped in coordination with the Water Development Board to curb the erosion. Government relief distribution for the victims is also underway.

-PMS/SA