Rising river threatens Habiganj town protection embankment

HABIGANJ, May 22 (UNB): Onrush of water from upstream coupled with rains have caused rivers swell abnormally in Habiganj and Sherpur districts. In Habiganj, Khowai River was flowing 140 centimeters above danger mark at several points in the district, including the town on Sunday evening. Triggered by heavy downpour and onrush of hill water from across the border in India the river continued to rise threatening the town protection embankment. Besides, Karangi, Sunai, Kalni, Kushiara, Bheramohna and Basira rivers also swelled abnormally engulfing hundreds of villages in several upazilas on both banks. Water Development Board sources said flood water entered Habiganj town leaking through the sluice-gates of the embankment, creating big holes and cracks in the dam. Executive Engineer of WDB, Habiganj, Ehsanur Rashid said that water is rising and entering into the town through leaks at sluice-gates. He said that the town protection dam is in danger. It developed holes and cracks at Deoulgaon in Chunarughat upazila, Natirabad and Garur Bazar in the district town and places in Masulia Gobindapur and Rampur, he informed. He said the WDB is trying to save the embankment by placing sand bags in Deoulgaon and Natirabad areas. On the other hand, hundreds of people of Madhabpur, Nabiganj, Baniachang, Ajmeeriganj and Lakhai have become marooned due to flash flood caused by sudden rise in waters of Karangi, Sunai, Kalni, Kushiyara, Bhoramohna and Basira rivers. .