Rangamati district in southeastern Bangladesh has been severely affected by continuous heavy rainfall, leading to landslides at 15 locations across various roads.
The Roads and Highways Department reported that eight spots were on the Rangamati-Chittagong national highway, two on the Rangamati-Khagrachhari road, three on the Ghagra-Bandarban road, and two on the Rajasthali-Bangalhalia road. These landslides have disrupted road communications, causing significant challenges for residents and authorities. In Kawkhali upazila’s Ghagra area, particularly in Kolabagan, there is a risk that traffic may be completely halted at any moment due to road erosion.
Heavy nighttime rains caused landslides in several places, including Sapchari and Kolabagan on the Rangamati-Chittagong road, temporarily blocking road communication. Although workers from the Roads and Highways Department quickly cleared the debris, restoring vehicle movement, the situation remains precarious. On the Ghagra-Baraichhari road, soil erosion is disrupting traffic, further complicating the transportation network in the region. Continuous heavy rains and flash floods from upstream have submerged low-lying areas in Langadu, Juraichari, and Barkal upazilas, cutting off internal communication and leaving residents stranded.
The Kawkhali-Ghilachhari road in Rangamati district is damaged by landslides, disrupting communication. Ghagra High School, Ghagra College, and Ghagra Girls’ High School have been flooded by landslides, affecting educational activities. Several families in the Rangamati district town and Kawkhali have taken shelter in relief centres, seeking refuge from the ongoing disaster. Multiple electric poles in the Kolabagan area of Ghagra are in a dangerous condition, with the risk of collapsing onto the road at any time, posing additional hazards to the affected communities.
Sabuj Chakma, executive engineer of the Roads and Highways Department in Rangamati, stated that due to extremely heavy rainfall, landslides occurred at 15 locations on various roads of Rangamati. He mentioned that department staff are stationed on the roads to prevent disruption in communication. Furthermore, flash floods from upstream have inundated schools, homes, and croplands in Kawkhali, Juraichari, Barkal, and Langadu upazilas, exacerbating the crisis. In Sajek union of Baghaichari’s border area near India, five houses in New Thangnang village, ward No 8, were destroyed due to heavy rain and wind. No casualties were reported, but household items and paddy were damaged. All affected families are shifting cultivators.
Baghaichari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Shirin Akter said that they have not yet received detailed reports but will investigate and provide assistance to the victims through the upazila administration. Kawkhali UNO Kazi Atiqur Rahman said that around 100 people from 21 families have taken shelter at government primary school relief centres in Kawkhali. Necessary food arrangements have been made for them for Sunday night and Monday. Rangamati Sadar UNO Refat Asma said that due to landslide fears, residents living at the foothills in various parts of Rangamati town have been moved to two relief centers. Refat added: “Currently, 82 people from 20 families are sheltered at the Loknath Temple relief centre, and 45 people from 10 families are at the Rangamati Government High School relief centre. Food has been arranged for a total of 127 people at these two centres for tonight and tomorrow morning.”
The continuous heavy rainfall is expected to persist in the coming days, with the forecast indicating thunderstorms and further rainfall. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines to mitigate the risks associated with landslides and floods. The situation in Rangamati underscores the vulnerability of hilly regions to climate-induced disasters. Experts have noted that increased rainfall due to climate change has heightened the risk of landslides in these areas. The government, along with local authorities and humanitarian organizations, is working tirelessly to provide relief and support to the affected communities.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of these natural disasters, the resilience and solidarity of the affected communities remain a beacon of hope. Ongoing relief efforts aim to restore normalcy and assist those in need during this challenging time.
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