BARGUNA, May 25 (UNB): As a low pressure looms over the southeastern Bay of Bengal with possibility of developing into a cyclone, fear has gripped the residents along the coastal district of Barguna.
Many embankments remain dangerously fragile and unprotected in the district, triggering worry among the residents of the coastal areas.
The Met Office has warned of cyclone Shakti to hit the coast triggering panic among the residents of Sadar, Patharghata, Bamna, Betagi, Taltali and Amtali upazilas of the district, where many embankments are in vulnerable condition.
Meteorologists predicted that the low formed over the Bay of Bengal may cross the Bangladesh coast between May 24 and May 28.
As the storm approaches, Barguna has been experiencing intermittent heavy rainfall since 10am Saturday.
During high tide, low-lying areas and outer chars have already been submerged by tidal surges 2 to 2.7 meters above normal levels, deepening worry across the southern coastline. According to
the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), five areas-Naltana, Paler Baliatali, Kalmegha, Ramna and Kalikabari-along Barguna's 805-kilometre-long embankment network are extremely vulnerable, with nearly one kilometre of embankment at high risk.
Local residents have long suffered from erosion and flooding due to the lack of sustainable and well-planned embankments.
Residents living along the banks of the Bishkhali River reported rising water levels, fueling fears that something significant may be brewing in the Bay of Bengal.
