In Char Gorokmondol, a remote village in Phulbari upazila of Kurigram district, the once-distant rumble of the Dharla River has grown into a deafening roar and with it destruction follows.

Over the past several days, the river’s relentless erosion has swallowed more than 50 homes and devoured hundreds of bighas of fertile land.

Families are now left broken and displaced, while around 500 more teeter on the brink of a similar fate.

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“What can I say, brother? This is the fifth time my home has gone into the river. I have nothing left,” said Ala Boksh, a 65-year-old shopkeeper.

For the past four years, Ala and his wife have been living in makeshift shelters on others’ land, surviving on meager earnings from a small roadside shop in Anandabazar that sells thread and rope.

But even that fragile grip on survival is now slipping, as the river edges closer -- just meters from his current dwelling.

He has begun shifting his belongings to his brother-in-law’s property. But with no money, the effort has stalled.

“It’s like starting from nothing again — and again,” he says, his eyes moist with despair.

While erosion is not new to the region, its intensity this year is alarming.

The advancing river now threatens more than 500 families, casting a long shadow over their homes and dreams.

Among those at risk is a newly constructed government structure,  the Mujib Kella, built at a cost of over Tk 2 crore to serve as a disaster shelter.

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Zahurul Islam, 35, and his wife Mahamuda Begum stand at their doorstep, watching the river creep closer.

“We’re counting the days,” said Mahmuda,  adding, “It could be any moment now.”

Others in the village share the same fear and grief.

Local youth Kamal Hossain and Abdul Quddus recount the names of those already displaced this year --  Zobed Ali, Monser Ali, Azibor Rahman, and Azgor Ali -- families who lost everything in the blink of an eye.

“It’s not just land. It’s memories, livelihoods, roots -- all gone in a blink,” said Nur Alam.

Last year, the Dharla wiped out 30 families and washed away half a kilometre of road in Char Gorokmondol, according to Union Parishad Member Ayaz Uddin.

Authorities responded with around 6,000 geobags,  large sandbags intended to slow erosion, but the measure fell short.

“This year, 500 more families, a school, madrasa, and the Mujib Kella building are all in danger,” Ayaz warned.

Naodanga Union Chairman Hossain Ali has recently visited the area and assured residents that he would seek emergency assistance from the Kurigram Water Development Board.

“We can’t wait any longer,” he said.

But the situation remains dire.

Executive Engineer Raqibul Hasan said 7,000 geobags were provided last year, but there are currently no stocks left.

“That area will require a significant number. Once we receive new allocations, we will give again,” he said.