At least three key rural roads have been washed away by strong flood currents in Phulbari and Nageshwari upazilas of Kurigram and Kaliganj upazila of Lalmonirhat, leaving more than 5,000 people facing hardship.
Residents are wading through knee-deep water or carrying bicycles on their shoulders to cross the damaged roads.
The affected roads are in Gorokmondol village of Naodanga union in Phulbari, Telanikuti village of Bamandanga union in Nageshwari, and Rudreshwar village of Kakina union in Kaliganj.
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Photo: Star
According to locals, about 25 metres of the road at Gorokmondol collapsed into the Dharla last Tuesday, cutting off vehicular movement for more than 1,500 people.
“We still have knee-deep water on both sides of the road. Women, children, students and elderly people are suffering the most,” said local resident Azgar Ali.
Farmer Mecher Ali said transporting crops to local markets has become difficult since the road collapsed.
Naodanga Union Parishad Chairman Hasen Ali said repairs would begin after the floodwater recedes.
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Photo: Star
In Telanikuti village, nearly 30 metres of a rural road were washed away by the Dudhkumar river.
“There is an alternative route, but it requires travelling at least five extra kilometres,” said local farmer Sujan Chandra Sen.
Bamandanga Union Parishad Chairman Asaduzzaman Rony said around 2,000 people depend on the road, which was damaged last Monday night. “Repairs will begin after the water recedes,” he also added.
In Rudreshwar, about 10 metres of a rural road collapsed due to the Teesta river’s strong current last Monday, disrupting communication.
Village resident Aftab Uddin said nearly 1,000 people are still facing hardship despite temporary repairs.
Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner Rashedul Hoque Prodhan said pedestrian movement has been restored through temporary repairs by the union parishad.
“A full-scale reconstruction will be carried out once the water along the road has completely receded,” he said.
Saiful Islam, executive engineer of the LGED in Kurigram, said several rural roads across the district were damaged during the recent floods. Preparations have already been made to repair the affected roads and restore normal movement. Upazila engineers have been instructed to expedite the repairs.
