Jamuna continues to erode homesteads, farmlands

With sudden increase of water level in the Jamuna River, erosion has turned serious and engulfed school and dwelling houses, croplands and trees, and many structures in Fazlupur union under Fulchhari upazila in the last three days.

Erosion has rendered over 150 families shelter less at Khatiyamari village. Uttar Khatiyamari Primary School has gone into the river bed, hampering classes of over 400 students.

Erosion is now threatening the nearby union health centre and some other structures.

On a visit to the affected areas, this correspondent saw locals shifting tin sheets, furniture and other household items to safe places, and cutting down trees and bamboo groves which are on the verge of being devoured by the river.

Many homesteads have gone into the river, said Shamsuddin, a farm labourer of Khatiyamari village.

"The schoolhouse has gone into the river, so our classes have stopped," said Sagor Mia, a Class IV student of Khatiyamari Primary School.

"The managing committee of the school have shifted the tin-shed and benches to a safe place, and school will start soon after erection of a make-shift shed," said Anju Ara Begum, headmistress of the school.

A few people carry a tin-shed part of a nearly eroded house to a safer place. Photo: Star

"Erosion has hit at least seven points at Uttar Khatiyamari, Chandanesher, Koochkhali, and Kawabadha villages in Fazlupur union. The  number of affected people fleeing the spot with movable properties is increasing every day. They are taking shelter on roadsides and the flood control dyke," said Jainul Abedin Jalal, chairman of Fazlupur union parishad.

The erosion victims are passing miserable days under the open sky and suffering from acute food and drinking water crisis, said Abu Sayeed, former upazila chairman of Fulchhari.