As Cyclone Remal approaches, anxiety grips the region once again. Despite enduring past devastations from super cyclones like Sidr and Aila, many communities remain unprotected due to inadequate and vulnerable embankments. The Water Development Board has proposed new measures, but residents urgently call for sustainable solutions to safeguard their homes and lives.

For generations, thousands of residents along the coast of Bagerhat have lived under constant threat. Rising water levels frequently flood parts of Rampal, Mongla, and Morrelganj upazilas, causing significant suffering as water inundates homes.

The current embankments, being relatively low, overflow during high tides, resulting in flooding of residential areas. The situation worsens during storms and tidal surges, making life unbearable for the locals.

With Cyclone Remal approaching, anxiety among residents has surged. In response, the Water Development Board has proposed constructing 185km of new embankments across various parts of the district.

Out of the existing embankments, 16km are in a vulnerable condition. To ensure safety during disasters, 359 shelters have been prepared, capable of accommodating 266,051 people.

Past super cyclones like Sidr, Aila, Amphan, Mora, Bulbul, and Fani have instilled a constant state of fear among the coastal residents of Bagerhat.

Despite the known risks, thousands in Sarankhola, Rampal, Morrelganj, and Mongla upazilas continue to live along the riverbanks. Particularly in Rampal, Mongla, and Morrelganj, the absence of embankments by the Water Development Board leads to immediate flooding whenever the tide rises.

The trauma of losing possessions and loved ones has left these people perpetually anxious about disasters. Since Cyclone Sidr, there has been a demand for durable embankments. However, sustainable embankments have yet to be established in these coastal areas. Residents urgently call for the construction of robust embankments along the riverbanks.

On November 15, 2007, Sidr's 15-16 feet high tidal surge destroyed the Baleshwar River embankment in Sarankhola, devastating villages under four unions of the upazila. Lives, homes, livestock, fishing nets, and boats were swept away.

The tidal surge not only affected Sarankhola but also destroyed 100km of riverbank embankments in various coastal areas, including Bagerhat.

Government records indicate that Sidr claimed 709 lives in Sarankhola alone, though unofficial sources suggest a higher toll.

Several riverbank residents in Bagerhat express a constant fear whenever they see clouds or rising water levels.

With no alternative, they are compelled to build homes on the riverbanks and live with their families. The news of Cyclone Remal has heightened their anxiety. They believe that sustainable embankments would protect them from tidal surges. However, no embankments have been constructed yet, prompting urgent calls for government action.

Abu Raihan Mohammad Al-Biruni, Executive Engineer of the Bagerhat Water Development Board, stated that the district has a total of 338km of embankments.

Of these, only 65km in Sarankhola and Morrelganj have been constructed sustainably. Currently, 16km of embankments in Bagerhat Sadar, Morrelganj, and Sarankhola are in a vulnerable state, with 8km being highly vulnerable.

Repairs are underway for 460 meters of the embankment in the Bagi and Southkhali areas of Sarankhola along the Baleshwar River, Al-Biruni said.

He further noted that there are no embankments by the Water Development Board in Rampal and Mongla upazilas. When tides rise, water floods residential areas. Proposals for constructing 185km of embankments along the riverbanks in various upazilas are under consideration by the relevant ministry. If constructed, these embankments would protect Bagerhat's coastal residents from tidal surges.

Al-Biruni also informed that 273km out of the total 338km of embankments were not built sustainably. Over time, their height from sea level has decreased by one meter or more. When tides rise above normal levels, water overflows these embankments.

Md Khalid Hossain, Deputy Commissioner of Bagerhat, stated that all necessary preparations have been made to face Cyclone Remal.

A total of 359 cyclone shelters across the district's nine upazilas have been prepared, capable of accommodating 266,051 people along with their livestock.

Additionally, Tk550,000 in cash and 643.400 tons of rice have been stockpiled. The district has mobilized 3,180 members of the Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP), along with nearly 500 members from the Red Crescent, Rover Scouts, BNCC, and volunteer organizations.

Subsequent measures will be taken based on meteorological department signals, the Deputy Commissioner assured.

END/V7N/SMA/DK/