, Sept. 2 -- A vital flood control embankment at Saradob village in Kurigram Sadar upazila, is under severe threat as ongoing erosion by the Dharala River continues to damage parts of the Tk 629 crore project.

Locals said 30 metres of concrete blocks along the 350-metre stretch of the embankment began collapsing on Friday night, sparking panic among villagers and putting over a thousand families and several thousand hectares of cropland at risk.

Although the Water Development Board (WDB) has been dumping sand-filled geo-bags to protect the embankment, residents alleged that sufficient concrete blocks were not placed. Many have been living in fear since the initial collapse.

"This embankment is our shield. If it breaks, thousands of hec...