An unusual tidal surge has flooded at least 15 villages in Kalapara and Mirzaganj upazilas in the past two days washing away fish farms. The tidal water entering through damaged flood control embankment inundated several educational institutions and hundreds of homes affecting 12,000 people of the villages. In Kalapara, about 11 villages in Mahipur and Lalua unions have gone under 3/4 feet of tidal water, paralysing normal life. Fishermen of Kuakata have stopped sailing into the sea, which is still rough due to the influence of moon phases. The tidal water has entered into Shudhirpur, Nizampur, Puran Mahipur village in Mahipur union through damaged flood control embankment at Nizampur and Komarpur points. On the other hand, Charipara, Posharbunia, Banatipara, Dhonjupara and Nayakata villages of Lalua union have been inundated by sea water entering through damaged flood control embankment at Charipara point. Lalua UP chairman Tarikuzzaman Tara said the repairing works at the damaged flood control embankment began a few days ago. But it has now been temporary suspended due to rise of water level in the Ramnabad River. Mahipur UP Chairman Abdul Salam Akan said the repairing work at Nizampur-Komarpur point will resume after the unusual tidal water recedes from the villages of Mahipur union.
BWDB Kalapara Executive Engineer Abul Khaier said BWDB has started the repairing work on an emergency basis to protect life and property. In Mirzaganj, water level of Paira and Shrimonto River has increased due to the tidal surge. The villages -- Chingaria, Kolagachia, Sundra and Piprakhali -- village of the upazila have gone under water. Sundra Governemnt Primary school, Piprakhali primary school, Sundra Secondary High School have been inundated by the tidal water, forcing the authorities to shut down the institutions. Abdur Razzak, head teacher of Sundra Secondary High School, said the school compound has been flooded by the tidal water.