Visiting the upazila, the UNB correspondent found that more than 200 houses in Paiker Chara, Char Bhurungamari and Sonahat Unions were washed away by the river, leaving hundreds of people homeless. Besides, embankments and roads in the area were severely damaged.
Islampur Jam-e Mosque, a graveyard and an Eidgah in Char Bhurungamari union are also facing great threat of erosion.
Alauddin, a resident of Islampur village, said river erosion devoured vast lands, including his homestead, within a couple of days, leaving 60/70 families homeless. Some victims along with their valuables have taken shelter in their neighbour’s houses while others are passing days under open sky.
Locals said hundreds people turn pauper every year losing their lands into the river.
Fazlul Haque, chairman of Char Bhurungamari Union Parishad, said a letter has been sent to the upazila administration to take necessary steps in this regard.
Contacted, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Magfurul Hasan Abbasi said victim families were provided with three metric tonnes of rice each. Besides, 5,500 geo bags(bags filled with sand) are being dumped in the erosion-hit area in collaboration with the Water Development Board.