Meghna erosion continues to wreak havoc in Chandpur

CHANDPUR, Aug 05 (UNB): Erosion by the Meghna river continues unabated in the Harishava area in Puranbazar of the district town, forcing hundreds of people to transfer their belongings to safe areas on Sunday evening.

In a visit to the area, this correspondent found the authorities were trying to stop the erosion by erecting a barrier made of concrete cement blocks, stones, CC blocks and sand-bags to protect the area.

Strong river current, high waves and onrush of flood waters from upper regions are causing the erosion, said the Water Development Board Executive Engineer Abu Raihan and Sub Assistant Engineer Ashrafuzzaman Khan.

This correspondent on Sunday evening witnessed Meghna devouring the basements of four Hindu Temples along with other houses on Harishava Road.

Engineer Mohammad Rafiqullah said they have placed 2,500 geobags at vulnerable points until 6.00 pm on Sunday.

Sub Assistant Engineer Ashrafuzzaman Khan, who surveyed the depth of the river, said it was about 45 to 65 feet at different points of the erosion area, and a length of almost 200 metres had been eroded.