A section of a Water Development Board embankment in Khulna’s Dacope upazila collapsed on Sunday night, causing flooding and displacing 15 families near Botbunia Bazar. The breach, measuring approximately 40 meters, occurred around 8:00 p.m. along the Dhaki River as a result of pressure from the rising tide.

The collapse allowed tidal water to inundate a large area, forcing several families to move their belongings and dismantle parts of their houses to seek safety on nearby higher ground. Many residents lost their homes due to river erosion and are currently sheltering outdoors, facing severe difficulties including food shortages.

Local residents reported that cracks were visible in the embankment before it suddenly gave way. Among the affected families are those headed by Zadubar Sardar, Niranjan Sardar, Krishnapada Sardar, Prashanta Sardar, Pradip Sardar, Ajit Sardar, Lokesh Sardar, Gopal Sardar, Gobinda Sardar, Shekhar Sardar, Paritosh Sardar, Suryakanta Sardar, and Nilu Sardar.

In response, the Water Development Board temporarily halted the influx of tidal water through the breach by installing sand-filled geo-bag tubes during low tide. Jalal Uddin Gazi, chairman of Tildanga Union Parishad, noted that while these measures have reduced further flooding, the area remains vulnerable to additional embankment failures. Efforts to reinforce the damaged section are ongoing.

Sub-divisional engineer Madhusudan Pal of the Water Development Board confirmed that stabilization work is underway, including block dumping and the continued placement of geo-bag tubes, to secure the erosion-affected embankment segment and prevent further damage.