Around 30-metre portion of Gobindashi-Valkutia-Chituliapara road has been washed away in Bhuapur upazila of Tangail district due to the strong pressure of water of the river Jamuna during the ongoing flood.
The road collapsed on Saturday morning due to the strong flow of water. As a result, around 15,000 people of 3 to 4 villages in the upazila are now suffering a lot due to collapse of road communications.
After the collapse of the road at Valkutia, floodwater is entering several other areas, including Kostapara, Gobindashi, Sthalkashi, Ruhuli and Koyera. Roads in low-lying areas have also been submerged. Various types of vegetables and crops, including spinach, okra and green chillies, have already gone under floodwater in those areas.
Due to the pressure of floodwater, about 30 meters of the road collapsed in Valkutia area, halting movement of people. Konabari High School is next to it. Students also have to suffer to participate in the ongoing biannual examinations. People are now using water way to reach their destinations.
There are also three electric transformers next to the broken part of the road. There is a danger that they will break and fall into the water at any moment. As a result, the power connection may be disrupted in the areas. On the other hand, new areas are being flooded as water enters the low-lying areas after the collapse of the road in Valkutia. Local people are getting stuck in water.
Muhaiminul Islam Hridoy of Valkutia village said, “The road has broken due to excess water pressure. They are in dire straits as their only road is broken. It is very difficult for boys and girls to go to school.”
“It becomes difficult to move in some places. There is water in the house and there is no end to the suffering,” he said, demanding quick steps on the part of the authorities concerned to end sufferings of people in the areas.
Local Union Parishad member Abdul Quader said, “The people of Chituliapara and Valkutia are suffering a lot due to the collapse of the road amid the strong flow of flood water. This is the commuting road in some of our areas. The matter has been informed to the higher authorities so that people can move through the road within a short time.”
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mamunur Rashid said Gobindashi- Valkutia village road has collapsed due to water flow and people of some areas are suffering because of the erosion. Necessary measures will be taken to make the road suitable for movement of people through setting up of a bamboo-made bridge soon after spot inspection.
