As a low pressure looms over the southeastern Bay of Bengal with possibility of developing into a cyclone, fear has gripped the residents along the coastal district of Barguna.
Many embankments remain dangerously fragile and unprotected in the district, triggering worry among the residents of the coastal areas.
The Met Office has warned of cyclone Shakti to hit the coast triggering panic among the residents of Sadar, Patharghata, Bamna, Betagi, Taltali and Amtali upazilas of the district, where many embankments are in vulnerable condition.
Meteorologists predicted that the low formed over the Bay of Bengal may cross the Bangladesh coast between May 24 and May 28.
As the storm approaches, Barguna has been experiencing intermittent heavy rainfall since 10am Saturday.
During high tide, low-lying areas and outer chars have already been submerged by tidal surges 2 to 2.7 meters above normal levels, deepening worry across the southern coastline.
According to the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), five areas—Naltana, Paler Baliatali, Kalmegha, Ramna and Kalikabari—along Barguna’s 805-kilometre-long embankment network are extremely vulnerable, with nearly one kilometre of embankment at high risk.
Local residents have long suffered from erosion and flooding due to the lack of sustainable and well-planned embankments.
Residents living along the banks of the Bishkhali River reported rising water levels, fueling fears that something significant may be brewing in the Bay of Bengal.
During a recent visit to the coastal areas of the district, over a hundred homes in the Haringhata and Jintala areas along the Bishkhali River were found in precarious condition, leaving locals deeply worried.
According to the Water Development Board, nearly one kilometre of embankment across various parts of Barguna remains in a vulnerable state, with 10 spots marked as highly risky and around 50 considered moderately risky.
Geo-bags have been prepared for immediate emergency repair if any embankments are breached.
A BWDB official, requesting anonymity, said that they had yet to receive any specific government directive regarding the cyclonic storm.
Meanwhile, Abdur Rahman, district officer of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society in Barguna, said volunteers have been alerted about the potential impact of the cyclone and are on standby for any emergency response.