RANGPUR, Aug 26: At least 500 families at different villages of Kawnia upazila in the district were rendered homeless during last couple of weeks owing to severe erosion by the river Teesta.
The affected villages include char Dhusmara, Char Gonai, Talukshahbaz, Harichansharma, Kalirhat, Gazirhat, Char Biswanath, char hazratkhan and Azamkha.
Hundreds of acres of crop lands including Aman and vegetables fields and a good number of dwelling houses have been devoured by the river during last two weeks.
A good number of establishments including educational institution, mosque and community clinic are now on the verge extinction due to erosion. Fishes of Many ponds were also washed away due to erosion.
The affected people are now facing acute crisis of food, shelter and medical, locals said.
A good number of affected people said that the erosion took a devastating turn devouring hundreds of houses during last few days. "Erosion by the river made me a pauper," said Wahedul Islam of Kalirhat village.
"My homesteads were eroded few days ago. Now my family members have taken refuge in temporary shelters, "he added.
Victims alleged that Teesta erosion is continuing in the villages and it may engulf more areas soon. Many villagers are now leaving homesteads in fear of erosion, they added.
Erosion-hit people of Char Gonai village said Teesta has devoured a vast tract of arable lands and dwelling houses during last few days. Hakim Mia (60), of the village said he had only 10 decimals of homesteads which was eroded by the ferocious Teesta 5 days before, leaving him a destitute, he lamented.
Some victims of the affected areas said Teesta devoured their everything, making them destitute.
A number of erosion-hit people alleged that they are yet to get any relief items from neither the government nor any non government organisations.
Many victims said the relief goods they received were not adequate.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) SM Nadia Sultana said they have already visited the affected areas and distributed relief goods including dried food and corrugated iron sheets among the erosion-affected people.
