Residents in coastal Bangladesh face a double threat:
Potential cyclones and critically weakened embankments. Forecasts predict a high likelihood of cyclones in the coming months, raising concerns about the ability of these flood protection measures to withstand the coming storm season.
 
Residents of coastal Bangladesh are bracing for a potential double whammy: a looming cyclone season and dangerously dilapidated embankments. With forecasts predicting a high likelihood of cyclones in the coming months, concerns are mounting over the integrity of vital flood protection measures in Khulna, Satkhira, and Bagerhat districts.
 
Officials from the Abohawa weather office have warned of potential cyclones striking the Khulna coast in May and June. However, a significant portion of the region's embankments – roughly 51km out of a total 2,600km – is already in a precarious state. This raises serious concerns about the ability of these structures to withstand rising river waters and potential storm surges.
 
Locals point out a recurring pattern: authorities scramble to repair embankments only when the monsoon season arrives and tidal waters rise. This hurried approach often results in low-quality work and inflated costs. They argue that timely repairs with proper materials could be done at a significantly lower expense and mitigate the risk of catastrophic breaches.
 
Investigations revealed that embankment repair projects initiated in the previous fiscal year are still ongoing under the Direct Purchase Method (DPM). Contractors blame late work orders for their inability to secure the necessary soil for repairs, further delaying the critical works.
 
Residents like Karim Sardar of Koira vividly describe the anxieties they face. They point to past instances where embankments failed due to neglect, causing immense damage. "The dam near Kashiabad Sluicegate is cracked on both sides due to river pressure," says Sardar. "But the Water Development Board (WDB) isn't repairing it." He fears a repeat of past disasters if timely action isn't taken.
 
Officials from the WDB acknowledge the problem. Abdur Rahman, Executive Engineer of WDB Khulna Division-1, confirmed that 10.5km of embankments under their jurisdiction are in a dangerous condition. Similar concerns were raised by Executive Engineers from the other WDB divisions in Khulna, Satkhira, and Bagerhat. They highlighted specific vulnerable stretches and the need for urgent repairs and new embankment construction.
 
With the cyclone season approaching, the clock is ticking for Bangladesh's coastal communities. Urgent action is needed to address the dilapidated state of the embankments and ensure the safety of residents. Timely allocation of resources and a shift towards preventative maintenance are crucial to prevent a potential humanitarian crisis in the wake of a cyclone.
 
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