Land port and immigration check post flooded in Akhaura due to landslides

Heavy rains and landslides in Brahmanbaria's Akhaura flooded the land port and the International Immigration Police check post. Besides, a temporary bridge was broken in Gazi's Bazar area due to flooding and traffic on Akhaura-Agartala road was stopped. At least 50 villages of the upazila have been flooded. 300 families are in water-locked state.

Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Ghazala Parveen and Akhaura International Immigration Police Checkpost in-charge Khairul Alam confirmed the matter on Wednesday (August 21) afternoon. Earlier, all immigration activities were stopped after 10 am.

According to Akhaura Upazila administration and local sources, heavy rain started in Akhaura from Tuesday (August 20) night. From today (Wednesday) morning, mountain streams started coming from the other side of the border through the canal running beside the Akhaura International Immigration Checkpost and land port. At one stage, at least 50 villages of several unions including Sthalbandar, Bautla, Birchandrapur, Kalikapur, Bangerchar, Sahebnagar were flooded. Besides, the only road leading to Akhaura land port and immigration, the temporary bridge in Gazirbazar area of ​​the upazila was broken. Earlier on Tuesday, some parts of the Howrah river dam broke in Khalapara area and water started entering. Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Ghazala Parveen visited the affected area after receiving the news. In this regard, Khairul Alam, in-charge of Akhaura International Immigration Police Checkpost, said that 20-30 passengers have come and gone till 10 am. All immigration operations are closed after 10 am. He also said that water has entered all the rooms of the office.

Jalal Uddin, chairman of the upazila's South Union Parishad, said that water started coming from India at a rapid rate today (Wednesday) morning. Many villages have been submerged in water. Akhaura-Agartala road temporary bridge collapsed.

In this regard, Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Ghazala Parveen said that 50 villages of the upazila have been flooded due to the landslide. About 300 families are in water-tight condition. Akhaura land port and immigration are knee-deep. Local residents have repaired part of the dam. The Roads and Highways Department has been informed to repair the bridge. However, he also said that it cannot be made suitable for fast traffic.

Bangladesh /KH