Sirajganj, Sept. 24 -- Severe riverbank erosion by the Jamuna has already devoured nearly 50 houses, cropland and trees in Chauhali upazila of Sirajganj district, leaving several educational institutions under threat.

The erosion began on Sunday afternoon in Chandpur and nearby areas as water levels in the Jamuna started receding after weeks of swelling from heavy rainfall and upstream onrush.

Locals said that the river had been rising due to hill torrents and downpours damaging low-lying farmlands, including jute fields, for the past 10 days.

On the other hand, the water started falling from Monday midnight, which triggered strong currents and whirlpools, worsening the erosion.

Villagers said losing tin-roofed homes, cattle sheds and...