The lower part of Kalapara upazila of Patuakhali has been flooded due to rising sea level due to cyclone Yaas and full moon tides. Hundreds of trees in the Kuakata beach area have already been uprooted. Coastal areas are submerged in tidal waters.
Majhibari Point and West Khajura areas of Kuakata's 48th Flood Control Dam are at serious risk. The cement blocks that were laid on the outer slope of the dam here are collapsing under the pressure of water as they have become old and the locals are at risk as the work of the dam remained incomplete for many days.
More than 200 shops at Jelepalli, Shutki Market, Jhinuk Market, Camera Patti have already been submerged. Important shops, including tourist parks and public toilets in the area are also at risk of submersion.
Small trader Dulal said, “We did not understand that the sea water would suddenly increase in this way. The damage was caused as the water level was 5-7 feet higher than normal tide water level”.
Kamal Hasan, a resident of Chapalibazar area of Latachapali Union said “Rui, katal, silver carp, pangash and lobster of the enclosure and pond have been washed away. The entire beach of Gangamati area has been submerged under 5 to 7 feet of water due to the tidal wave of South Bay.
Water has risen on the floor of the houses of more than two hundred families in the beach-adjacent villages. The waves of the sea are coming and crashing on the back road of the beach”.
Kuakata Municipal Mayor Anwar Hawlader said, “Announcements were being made from the municipality, and everyone was being alerted, everyone had been told to go to a safe shelter and dry food had been arranged by the municipality. From the various plans taken, we are taking everyone to the shelter and helping them to take care of their belongings”.
Kalapara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Abu Hasnat Mohammad Shahidul Haque said, “We have received TK 25,000 in each upazila for buying dry food, TK 1 lakh for baby food and Tk 1 lakh for cow feed in 12 unions and two municipalities of Kalapara upazila.
The money has already been given to the concerned UP and municipality chairmen. Preparations have been made to evacuate people at risk in remote coastal areas as the storm intensifies.”
