, July 11 -- Several embankments in Batiaghata upazila of Khulna including the city protection embankment near Kachubunia in Jalma Union are under threat of collapse due to rising water levels of Shibsha River triggered by heavy rainfall and upstream water flow.

The vulnerable condition of the embankments has raised fears of flooding in vast low-lying areas of the upazila and parts of Khulna city if immediate protective measures are not taken, local people said.

A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal coupled with continuous rainfall and increased upstream water has pushed river water levels above the danger mark.

Strong currents have also intensified erosion along vulnerable sections of embankments over the past several days.

Am...