The Dhaleshwari River has begun eating into Boro Barta village in Keyain union of Sirajdikhan upazila, Munshiganj. One house has already gone into the river on the strong current, and 15 more families in the village are at risk.

On Sunday afternoon Gafur Sheikh's tin-roofed house was suddenly swept into the river along with its furniture. 'The bank just started breaking, and before we understood what was happening the house was in the river,' he said; much of the family's belongings could not be saved.

Residents said erosion has been going on for several days, with the bank breaking away and the river creeping towards the homesteads. They fear 15 more houses could be lost at any moment.

Nadim Hossain Anik, one of those affected, said that on top of the current, 15 to 20 bulkheads carry sand along the river every day, putting pressure on the banks and speeding up erosion. If it goes on like this, he said, his house could go within a day or two.

The affected families and neighbours want urgent action to hold the bank. Sirajdikhan upazila nirbahi officer Rumpa Ghosh said: 'I have spoken to the Water Development Board. The administration will take quick steps.'

Source: Samakal