Due to the increase in water level in Padma and Arial Khan rivers, strong currents have been continuing for the last 20 days. As a result, river erosion has reached a large scale in different areas of Shibchar upazila of Madaripur. A three-storey government primary school cum cyclone shelter building of Kanthalbari Union has been devoured in the river Padma.
On Tuesday (July 28) evening, the school sank into the river. Acting Upazilla Chairman BM Ataur Rahman, Upazila Education Officer, teachers and members of the managing committee, including Rafiqul Islam, visited the school area that was washed away by the river.
Meanwhile, Nuruddin Madbar's Kandi SESDP Model Secondary School in Bandarkhola Union of the upazila has been destroyed due to the erosion of the Padma River six days ago. Bandarkhola Union Parishad Bhaban, Community Clinic Bhaban, Qazi Sura Government Primary School, Bazar and other important structures are at risk of erosion.
Besides, important establishments including Bandarkhola, Madbarechar Kanthalbari, Charjanajat, Sannyasirchar, Shiruail, homesteads of Nilkhi Union, Union Parishad Bhaban, primary school and community clinic are also at risk of erosion.
Meanwhile, thousands of families are still marooned. So far, more than 450 houses have been washed away in the river. About 3,000 people have taken shelter in 21 open shelters in these areas.