2 die in tree fall, electrocution during storm

Under the influence of depression, heavy rainfall continues across all seven upazilas of Bandarban. One person died in Alikadam after being hit by a falling tree during the storm, while another person died in Naikhongchhari after being electrocuted by a snapped electric wire.

Due to the continuous heavy rain, landslides have occurred in hills and roads, causing the suspension of vehicular movement on the Lama-Sualak road. Mudslides and minor landslides have occurred at various points along internal roads including the Rowangchhari-Ruma and Thanchi-Alikadam routes, making them slippery and dangerous. The water levels of the Sangu and Matamuhuri rivers have also risen and are flowing close to the danger level due to the rain and hill runoff.

Fearing fatalities from major landslides, the district administration, municipality, union councils, fire service, and Red Crescent are making announcements via loudspeakers, urging residents living at the base of hills and in risky houses to move to safer shelters.

To cope with the situation, 220 shelters have been opened in 34 unions across the seven upazilas, according to Bandarban’s Deputy Commissioner Shamim Ara Reni.

On Saturday (May 31), during the storm, a man named Taipao Mro was killed when a tree fell on the yard of his house in Menrot Para, Kurukpata Union of Alikadam upazila. In another incident, a farmer named Noor Foyez, 40, from Bichamara area of Naikhongchhari Sadar Union died after touching a fallen electric wire while tying his cow in a nearby vacant field following the storm.