Rajshahi, Oct 02 (V7N) — Seventy families in Bagha, Rajshahi, are living under the open sky after losing their homes to severe river erosion caused by the Padma River. The disaster has devastated the areas of Atarpara, Chaumadia, and Diyarkadirpur Char in Chakrajapur Union, submerging homes, schools, and even a mosque.

Within a week, the relentless force of the Padma River has swallowed not only the homes of these 70 families but also the Atarpara Government Primary School and a local mosque, leaving the community devastated. The victims, including families like those of Zainal Abedin, Musa Halder, and Lalon, have been forced to take refuge elsewhere.

Abdur Rahman Darji, a member of the Chakrajapur Union Parishad, confirmed that classes in both Atarpara and Chaumadia Government Primary Schools are now suspended. He also reported that approximately 750 families, with a total of 3,500 people, are facing waterlogging. While 70 families have completely lost their homes, many others are at risk as the river continues to encroach on their land.

Local residents like Lalon Uddin expressed despair, having lost their homes and belongings. "I sold everything for my kidney treatment, and now my house has also been washed away," Lalon said. Others, like Siddique Hossain, are dealing with the difficulty of keeping their livestock safe under the open sky while facing the danger of Russell vipers in the fields.

The region has also suffered significant agricultural losses. Farmers like Ashraful Islam and Shah Alam have lost banana crops on 100 bighas of land, while another 2,000 bighas of cultivated land have been severely damaged. The financial loss is estimated to be around 30 crore taka.

The Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Tariqul Islam, confirmed that while some families have been provided with assistance, more help is needed. "We have listed the affected families and provided some aid, but the situation is dire," he said.

Efforts are ongoing to support the affected families, but the scale of the devastation has left many without homes, livelihoods, or a clear path to recovery.

END/RA/AJ