Zakir Azad, Cumilla

The recent severe flood caused by Gomti river dam break in Burburia area of Sholanal Union of Cumilla Burichong upazila has caused serious damage to the roads connecting with the upazila.

Along with various areas, the roads in the Gomti defense dam breach area have become damaged and collapsed. As a result of which people are now moving in dangerous areas with extreme risk. When it rains, dry areas become flooded again.

On the other side, the floodwaters receded but left scars. Roads have been extensively damaged due to flood in different parts of the upazila. Traffic is blocked at many places. The rural unpaved road of Sholanal Union of Burichong Upazila has been severely damaged. Out of this, the number of unpaved roads is 160.57 km. Kal Bhat number 4 length 49 m.

It will cause a loss of about hundred crore rupees. On an urgent basis, Burichong-Rajapur-Shangkuchail road, along with the junction of various parts of the road, have been damaged. On the other hand, Burichong Upazila Engineering Department is carrying out urgent repair work in Nanuar Bazar - Indravati, Bherazal - Shikapur - Burburia Mazar areas in flood affected areas.

On the other hand, various parts of rural and regional roads have been broken. Traffic on the affected roads is closed at some places. Some remote areas are still suffering and the traffic is blocked, said the locals.

According to the relevant sources, various roads under the jurisdiction of the local government engineering department have been affected by floods at several places. The pitch has broken and big holes have been created.

At some places, 5-10 feet of soil has moved, and communication is now cut due to large breaks. Nanua Bazar - Mahishmara - Shikarpur Burburia road is more affected. This road is about one Extensive damage has been done across the kilometer area. Locals are in dire straits as they are impassable. The suffering of the sick, students and children has reached an unbearable level. As the water receded from the said road, the youth society of Kharataia, Shikarpur, Jaruin, Haripur, Bakshimul - Kalikapur areas made brick and dry rubble roads suitable for traffic.

When asked about this, Sholnal Union Chairman Haji Md. Billal Hossain, Rajapur UP Chairman Mizanur Rahman, Burichong Sadar Chairman Alhaj Zainal Abedi said that the roads in our area have been severely damaged. Moreover, the only road leading to the upazila headquarters is broken at various places. He said that several crores of taka will be spent to repair the roads in our area and make them suitable for common people.

Alif Ahmed Akshar, Burichong Upazila Engineer of LGED, said that about 156 roads of 5 Unions of Burichong Upazila have been extensively damaged due to flood. 160.57 km of unpaved rural road has been damaged. The repair work of the roads is going on on an urgent basis. Cumilla - Burichong - Brahmanpara road has suffered severe damage due to flood and large potholes have been created.

These have been repaired on an urgent basis. Besides, more than 250 flood-hit people have been given food aid. All roads will be speedily made suitable for vehicular movement. We have conveyed all our needs to the concerned higher authority.