Nearly 10,000 people have been stranded in Rangpur`s Gangachara upazila after floodwaters from the Teesta River inundated several villages when two embankments collapsed following a sudden rise in the river`s water level.
The breaches occurred at volunteer-built embankments in Ward No. 8 of Nohali Union, allowing water to rush into surrounding communities. The flooding submerged large areas of farmland, disrupted communications and forced many residents to abandon their homes.
Officials and residents said about 150 metres of the embankments have already been washed away, raising fears that further erosion could worsen the situation.
The worst-hit areas include Char Baghdhogra, Char Kachari, Chilakhal, Binbinia and Mukutpara, where families have taken shelter with relatives as floodwater surrounded their homes. Children, elderly people and livestock have been among those most affected.
The advancing river has also placed more than 100 houses, educational institutions, roads, mosques and a temple at risk of being lost to erosion.
Residents said they have endured the same crisis year after year without a lasting solution.
Monayem Hossain, a resident of the area, said river erosion destroys homes every monsoon while temporary protection measures fail to prevent further damage.
"The river has already swallowed a large section of the embankment. If the remaining part collapses, thousands of people could lose everything. We need a permanent embankment, not temporary repairs," he said.
Another resident, Abdul Karim, said several homes had already disappeared into the river.
"My house could be next. If I lose it, I will have nowhere to live. I may have to move to Dhaka with my family and earn a living by pulling a rickshaw," he said.
Mominul Islam said repeated flooding and erosion had already wiped out homes, farmland, schools, a madrasa and a mosque over the years.
"We are not asking for relief. We want permanent protection from the river," he said.
The Water Development Board (WDB) has begun emergency work to prevent further erosion.
Robiul Islam, executive engineer of the Rangpur WDB, said 4,500 geo bags have been allocated and are being placed along the damaged embankments.
"If necessary, we will provide more geo bags. We are monitoring the situation closely and treating it as a priority," he said.
Gangachara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mosammat Jesmin Akter said the affected areas had been inspected and the Water Development Board had been instructed to take immediate measures to contain the erosion and protect vulnerable communities.
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