Army to take part in embankment repair: State minister

Bangladesh Army will take part in repairing embankments damaged during cyclone 'Amphan', state minister for water resources Zahid Faruk said Sunday.

He came up with the information at a meeting over assessing the damage caused by 'Amphan' which hit the country on 20 May.

The meeting was also informed that about 100,000 people were waterlogged due to the mismanagement in drainage system and dilapidated condition of the embankment.

Besides, 170 points of 99 embankments in Koyra and Dakope upazilas of Khulna, and Shyamnagar and Ashashuni upazilas of Satkhira were damaged.

Water resources secretary Kabir Bin Anwar said he visited Satkhira, Khulna and Bagerhat on 22 and 23 May and had a meeting with the local administration and army.

Deputy minister for water resources Enamul Haque Shamim and director general of Water Development Board AM Aminul Haque were present there.

Tidal surge of 8-10 feet height, triggered by cyclone Amphan, damaged embankments at 83 points in 13 coastal districts, Faruk said on 21 May.

Quoting water resources ministry, state minister for disaster management and relief Enamur Rahman had said 150km flood control embankments were damages while cracks developed at 84 embankments causing a loss of Tk 2.50-3 billion.

Cyclone Amphan hit Bangladesh on 20 May with strong wind and heavy rain. It also caused tidal surge which inflicted heavy damage to the embankments and flooded many areas.

Many areas were flooded and crops were damaged. Locals in the coastal district said living in the areas would be very difficult if sustainable embankments are not constructed.