This study addresses the escalating issue of slope failure in the Chittagong division of Bangladesh. The region has experienced an alarming rise in deaths resulting from slope collapses, primarily triggered by heavy rainfall. These failures are notably impactful on shale, a type of rock prone to such incidents. The research seeks to advance our comprehension of shale instability with a silt layer in the presence of water. Shale cylindrical samples with vertical (SVSL) silt layers were immersed in water and the fracture growth was observed over time. The study explored uniaxial compression tests focusing on understanding shale behavior, failure modes, and lateral strain under dry and wet conditions. The response of shale to water immersion shows a time-dependent fracture growth. Fractures in the SVSL initiate within the clay matrix, showcasing early sensitivity to aquatic environments. Over time, fractures extend along the silt layer, indicating a dynamic response to water immersion. Uniaxial compression reveals axial splitting in the SVSL shale, with lateral strain surpassing axial strain at low stress. Hydrated shale displays uniform strain behavior but suffers a significant reduction in strength compared to non-hydrated samples. Tensile strength notably decreases by 88% under hydrated conditions, highlighting the shale's vulnerability to tensile failure. The hydration process induces a 1/5-fold decrease in strength, with significant reductions observed within a half-hour timeframe of water immersion. Strength reduction surpasses 80%, indicating a substantial impact of hydration on shale's structural integrity. Consideration of an engineered slope could serve as a potential solution to the slope stability challenges encountered in shale formations.