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Published : 02 Jun 2025, 03:56 AM
Relentless monsoon rain and upstream flash floods have triggered landslides, damaged roads, and forced thousands to evacuate across Bangladesh's three hill districts.
At least four members of a family were killed in a landslide in Sylhet, while hundreds of shelters have been opened across Rangamati, Bandarban, and Khagrachhari on Sunday.
WIDESPREAD DISRUPTION, THOUSANDS DISPLACED
More than 590 shelters have been activated in the hill districts as floodwaters inundated low-lying areas and landslides severed road links.
Authorities have evacuated thousands amid fears of further slope failures following days of continuous rainfall.
In Rangamati alone, 246 shelters were opened as rising water from upstream deluged roads, schools, and homes.
The Maini river in Khagrachhari crossed danger levels, cutting off road links and flooding key areas, including Dighinala’s Merung Union.
Heavy rain also battered Bandarban, where road collapses shut down traffic along major routes, including the Bandarban-Sualok-Lama bypass.
The district administration opened 220 temporary shelters and suspended operations at around 60 tourist resorts as a safety measure.
4 KILLED IN SYLHET LANDSLIDE
In Sylhet’s Golapganj, a hillock collapsed onto a home early on Sunday, killing Riaz Uddin, his wife Rahima, and their two teenage children.
Locals were unable to rescue them in time as the mud buried their house during the night. The incident adds to a growing list of deadly landslides in the region in recent years.
KHAGRACHHARI CUT OFF
Khagrachhari experienced both landslides and flash floods, leaving parts of the district submerged.
At least 500 people were relocated to shelters, while roads in Dighinala, Bhuyachhari, and Nancy Bazar were severely damaged. In several places, residents were served cooked meals in makeshift shelters.
District officials said 124 shelters have been opened, and continuous announcements are urging people in risky hillside settlements to move to safety.
BANDARBAN ROADS SEVERED
In Bandarban, major roads collapsed in at least three locations in Tonkabati Union, cutting off access since Friday.
Despite earlier warnings, residents say no repair work had been done since last year’s rains. The district’s seven Upazilas have been placed on high alert, with shelters offering food and water.
MORE RAIN AHEAD
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department forecasts continued rain across the country over the coming days. Monsoon winds are expected to bring “moderate to very heavy” rainfall in parts of Mymensingh, Chattogram, and Sylhet.
Between Saturday and Sunday evening, Bandarban recorded 129 mm of rainfall, classified as “very heavy.”
Authorities have warned of further landslides and flash floods, urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert.
