Cyclone Rimal has caused damage to coastal embankments in approximately 300 locations across eight coastal districts. In these areas, about four kilometers of embankments have been breached, flooding the surroundings. At least 35 spots have seen water overflowing into residential areas, leading to waterlogging, while another 22 places have seen damage to embankment protective infrastructure. These findings are part of the preliminary damage report by the Water Development Board (WDB), submitted to the Ministry of Water Resources on Thursday.
According to the WDB report, the breaches and overflows resulting in waterlogging have primarily occurred in Rangabali of Patuakhali, Charfashion of Bhola, Paikgacha and Dacope of Khulna. In Gabura of Satkhira, high tidal waters have topped the embankments, flooding residential areas. Most of these embankments were built in the 1960s, with heights ranging from 6 to 8 feet, which is lower compared to other areas. After Cyclones Sidr and Aila, embankments in some parts of the eight coastal districts were raised, but not everywhere. Consequently, water levels higher than usual have led to the inundation of villages.
Notably, the total length of embankments in the coastal districts is 5,800 kilometers.
However, embankment experts point out that the most significant damage from this cyclone stems from local conflicts hindering the rapid repair of the breached sections. Tidal waters continue to enter through these breaches, causing them to expand. The longer the repairs are delayed, the larger the breaches become, increasing the repair costs and potential for corruption.
Ainun Nishat, Emeritus Professor at BRAC University, told Prothom Alo that in many coastal areas, the tide levels are higher than the embankments, allowing water to enter residential and agricultural lands. He also noted that contractor negligence and corruption have weakened many embankments. In many places, proper repairs were not carried out, leading to breaches, which could happen again. Therefore, governance must be prioritized in embankment repairs.
Sources at the WDB report that attempts to repair embankments damaged by the storm have led to tensions between local representatives and residents in several areas. In Koyra and Paikgacha, disputes among local representatives, WDB contractors, and residents have hindered repair efforts, causing delays and worsening the breaches. After repairs, embankments in several areas, including Koyra, have breached again.
According to WDB and local sources, on the night of the cyclone, a 10-meter section of the embankment in Paikgacha was breached. Local residents and WDB contractors began repair work, but disagreements with local representatives led to altercations. Supporters of the contractors and the chairman of the Deluti Union clashed, halting the repair work. Consequently, within two days, the breach expanded to 50 meters.
