Over 100,000 homeless in Barguna dam collapse

Over 100,000 people have been rendered homeless in Barguna's Taltoli upazila after portions of the Payra river dam collapsed due to a tidal surge on Tuesday night, inundating eight villages, reports UNB.

A vast tract of low-lying areas in Joyalbhanga, Nolbunia and Tetulbaria villages have been inundated, while at least 50 fish enclosures were swept away by the flood waters, said SM Sadik Tanvir, upazila nirbahi officer of Taltoli.

The disaster forced the residents of the eight villages to take shelter on high land with their livestock.

Besides, the Boroitola Ferry Ghat near the Bishkhali river has also been submerged due to the swelling of the river.

Aminul Islam Shohag, deputy assistant engineer of the Water Development Board, Barguna, said a proposal has been sent to the higher authorities for the construction of another dam here soon.

"A permanent embankment will be constructed soon," he said.