Habiganj, Aug 24 (V7N) — The embankment of the Khowai River has breached again in the Kaliganj area of Laskarpur Union under Habiganj Sadar Upazila, sending a strong flow of water into nearby localities and raising fresh concerns among residents.
The breach occurred around noon on Sunday as water levels in the Khowai River continued to rise amid heavy rainfall and an influx of water from upstream areas.
Water has already entered several surrounding villages, inundating low-lying areas, roads and agricultural land. Residents living near the river are now facing renewed fears of wider flooding as the river current remains strong.
The latest breach has occurred at the same location where the embankment collapsed on July 9. At that time, dozens of villages were inundated, causing extensive damage to homes, farmland, fish farms, roads and other infrastructure.
Although the Water Development Board subsequently began repair work, the damaged section had not been fully restored even after more than six weeks. The renewed breach has raised questions among local residents about the progress and durability of the repair work.
Habiganj Water Development Board Executive Engineer Sayedur Rahman said the Khowai River was flowing 130 centimetres above the danger level at the Ballah point due to an influx of water from upstream.
He said the increased water pressure caused another breach in the previously damaged section of the embankment at Kaliganj.
Water Development Board officials and workers are working at the site to contain the breach and protect the embankment, including efforts to reinforce the vulnerable section with geo-bags.
Local residents have expressed concern that the situation could deteriorate further if the river continues to rise. They fear that a larger breach could inundate more villages, damaging homes, crops, roads and fish farms.
Earlier on Sunday, Habiganj-3 MP and parliamentary whip G K Gaus visited the embankment repair site and spoke with local residents and officials about the situation.
Residents are urging the authorities to take immediate and effective measures to permanently repair the damaged section and prevent further flooding in the area.
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