, July 14 -- Severe river erosion and damage to an 18-kilometre flood protection embankment along the Teesta, Jamuna and Brahmaputra rivers have triggered panic among thousands of families in Gaibandha, with residents fearing breaches amid continued heavy rainfall.

Locals said large and small cracks and cavities have appeared at more than 100 points along the embankment stretching from Kamarjani to Sundarganj upazila, allowing water to seep through and increasing the risk of collapse.

The embankment, constructed in 2023 under a Tk 996 crore river protection project, has also come under renewed erosion following heavy monsoon rains, according to local residents.

Many families living close to the embankment have started spending nights o...