Continuous rain and landslides cause 33 deaths in Chattogram in 5 days

Among the deceased, 22 died in Cox's Bazar, 5 in Chattogram city and district, 5 in Bandarban, and 1 in Rangamati.

The Meteorological Department has said that due to active monsoon winds and a low-pressure system, heavy to very heavy rainfall may continue in various parts of the country for the next day or two. This could also increase the risk of landslides in hilly areas.

About five lakh people are waterlogged in Chattogram district. The most affected is Satkania upazila, where about 80 percent of the area of 17 unions and one municipality has been flooded. More than three and a half lakh people are suffering. In addition, vast areas of Chandanaish, Lohagara, Banskhali, and Boalkhali have also been submerged. Due to water on railway lines and roads, Chattogram-Cox's Bazar train movement and road communication with Rangamati and Khagrachari are being disrupted.

In Lama upazila of Bandarban, five people, including a child, have died in separate landslides. Due to hill torrents, the municipality and various government offices and educational institutions have been flooded.

In Chakaria, Cox's Bazar, three people, including a madrasa student, died in a landslide, and a two-and-a-half-year-old child died by drowning in floodwater. About seven lakh people are waterlogged in Chakaria, Pekua, and Matamuhuri areas.

In Rangamati and Khagrachari, various low-lying areas have been flooded due to rising river waters. Due to water on the Khagrachari-Sajek road, 150 of the 561 stranded tourists have been safely brought back with the help of the army.

Meanwhile, with the forecast of heavy rain in Meghalaya, India, the water levels of rivers in the Sylhet region are also rising rapidly. 537 shelters have been prepared to deal with the possible flood. In Kamalganj, Moulvibazar, a dam on the Dhalai River has broken, flooding 20 to 30 villages.

In Khulna metropolis, continuous rainfall has also caused waterlogging in various low-lying areas.

To deal with the disaster, the Chattogram district administration has canceled all types of leave for officials and employees and has opened a 24-hour control room. 629 shelters have been prepared in the district, where about 8 thousand people have already taken shelter.

As relief assistance, 200 metric tons of rice and 10 lakh taka have been allocated from the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, and another 20 lakh taka from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund. Additionally, a demand for 10 speedboats has been made on an emergency basis to strengthen rescue operations.