Tawhidul Islam, Cox's Bazar 

Today marks April 29 — a day of mourning for Bangladesh’s coastal communities. On the night of April 29, 1991, a devastating cyclone struck the country’s southern coast including Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Noakhali, Barishal, Patuakhali, and Barguna, accompanied by a tidal surge reaching 12 to 20 feet. The disaster claimed the lives of 200,000 people and left 100,000 others missing. Around 70,000 livestock perished in the calamity.

Even 34 years later, survivors of that tragedy continue to live in constant fear. Vast areas along the Cox’s Bazar coastline remain highly vulnerable due to severe erosion of protective embankments.According to data from the Cox’s Bazar Water Development Board, about 60% of the 543 kilometers of embankments in the district are now in dilapidated condition. In Maheshkhali alone, at least 65 kilometers of embankments have already collapsed, with several more kilometers in critical danger. Particularly in Dhalghata, Matarbari, and Kutubjom, the lack of durable embankments is acute.Although there have been efforts to rebuild and repair embankments since the 1991 cyclone, these initiatives have largely been temporary. Currently, many embankments, including Maheshkhali’s No. 70 polder, face significant erosion risks. During the monsoon and full-moon tides, these areas are regularly flooded.Abdul Karim, a long-time resident of Dhalghata Union, said, since my childhood, I’ve seen our suffering begin every monsoon season. Even a little rain causes the embankments to collapse, flooding our homes. Furniture, belongings, and food are washed away. Each monsoon feels like a battle for survival. The suffering has not diminished — rather, climate change has worsened the severity of disasters. I’ve heard about the proposed ‘Super Dyke’ project. If it’s implemented, maybe our lives will improve. If not, we’ll continue to face this grim reality year after year. We urge the authorities to start work immediately, so at least our future generations can live in safety.”Runa Akhter, a resident of Matarbari Union, shared ''During every rain or full-moon tide, it feels like we’re living with our lives in our hands. Anxiety and fear are constant companions. When water floods our homes, we worry for the safety of our children and elderly. There’s no end to this indescribable hardship. Without durable embankments, we continue to suffer fresh losses every year. We demand the immediate approval and implementation of the ‘Super Dyke’ project. Only then can we live safely, and our children sleep in peace.”Local residents have repeatedly demanded the construction of sustainable embankments. Nurul Islam of Dhalghata said, “Every monsoon feels like we’re risking our lives.” Elderly resident Sultan Ahmed tearfully added, “We’ve survived by fighting the sea. Despite promises, nothing has materialized. Without embankments, thousands of families live in constant insecurity. If another major disaster strikes, the consequences will be catastrophic.”

Abdul Mannan Bana, leader of the Dhalghata Protection Movement, stressed:"Sustainable embankments, more cyclone shelters, improved early warning systems, and public awareness are essential to safeguard the coast. It’s not just about building embankments — mangrove plantations and alternative livelihoods must also be ensured. Otherwise, even after 34 years, the people of Maheshkhali and Kutubdia will remain at risk. Coastal residents are still waiting for a safe life.”

A major project worth around BDT 3,800 crore has been proposed to construct a ‘Super Dyke’ for the Dhalghata and Matarbari areas of Maheshkhali. Mohammad Jamal Murshid, Sub-Divisional Engineer of the Water Development Board, stated that the project is currently awaiting approval. He expressed hope that the project would be approved by 2026 and completed by 2029, providing the people of Maheshkhali with a long-lasting, strong embankment.He noted that the last embankment construction and repair work in Dhalghata and Matarbari was completed during the 2018-2020 fiscal years. Currently, there are about 32 kilometers of embankments in the two unions, of which approximately 6.5 kilometers are in highly vulnerable condition. Around 7.5 kilometers of embankments fall under the jurisdiction of the Roads and Highways Department (RHD), while the remaining 18 kilometers are considered moderately risky."Maheshkhali is a disaster-prone area. Without sustainable embankments, it’s impossible to protect the lives and property of coastal people. If the Super Dyke project is implemented, Dhalghata, Matarbari, and the entire Maheshkhali region will gain long-term protection, along with new livelihood opportunities," he added.The situation in Kutubdia Island is even more dire. The 1991 cyclone submerged 40% of the island’s land. Currently, four out of six unions are regularly flooded by high tides. In South Dhurung, Boro Ghup, and Ali Akbar Dale, embankments are breached, and seawater flows into villages. Residents attempt to fortify defenses using bamboo and mud, but these makeshift structures crumble under minor waves.Recently, new breaches have allowed seawater to inundate localities in Kutubdia. Frequent high tides have broken embankments in several points of Ali Akbar Dale, including areas near the wind power project, Telipara, and Tabaler Char. In Ali Akbar Dale alone, embankment breaches are threatening a BDT 30 crore wind power project. The newly built academic building of Kabi Jasim Uddin High School is also under severe threat.

Rickshaw-puller Jasim Uddin said, "When the full-moon tide hits tomorrow, seawater will enter through Telipara. Last year, emergency repairs were abandoned by contractors. That’s why the repairs remain incomplete.”Seawater intrudes into at least 10 nearby villages during high tides. Although the previous government had promised a Super Dyke, construction took place only in the northern zone. In the south, very little progress was made, leaving parts of the island on the verge of submersion.Local Water Development Board Assistant Engineer Elton Chakma said that not only in Ali Akbar Dale but in other areas of the upazila, senior authorities have already inspected the broken embankments. He stated that emergency repairs would begin in the most severely damaged areas first.