20,000 people still stranded in Rangamati, 104 landslides in 6 days

The flood situation in Rangamati has not improved much due to the heavy rains and landslides coming down from India for several days. About 20,000 people are still stranded in Baghaichhari and some upazilas of the district. At the same time, 104 landslides have occurred in the district in the last six days, the district administration said.

Although the rainfall decreased slightly on Friday (July 10), the flood situation in Baghaichhari, Longadu, Bilaichhari, Naniarchar, Barkal and Jurachhari remains almost unchanged. Normal life is being disrupted in the flooded areas, and communication is still not normal as various roads have been damaged.

Baghaichhari upazila has been the worst affected. At least 30 villages in the upazila have been flooded by the landslide. 20,000 people from about 5,000 families have been stranded. Communication with Dhaka and Chattogram via the Baghaichhari-Dighinala road has been completely cut off as about three kilometers of the road has collapsed in the landslide.

According to the district administration, 40 shelters have been opened in Rangamati. About 4,000 people have taken shelter there. However, many affected people have complained that they are not getting adequate relief and food assistance. Many families living in their homes in flooded areas are still waiting for the necessary assistance.

Although some relief has been distributed by the administration as well as local public representatives, locals say it is insufficient compared to the need.

Meanwhile, with the help of the army, all the tourists stranded in Sajek have been safely evacuated. Currently, no tourists are stranded there.

According to the district administration, a total of 104 landslides have occurred in Rangamati in the last six days. Of these, 37 have occurred in Bilaichhari, 30 in Kaukhali, 15 in Baghaichhari, 13 in Rangamati Sadar, 4 in Longadu, 3 in Kaptai and 2 in Naniarchar.

Baghaichhari Upazila Executive Officer Amane Marjan said that even though the heavy rains have subsided, the low-lying areas are still flooded. The families trapped in the water have been taken to shelters and dry food and clean water have been provided there. Rescue and relief activities will continue until the situation normalizes.

Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Najma Ashrafi said that the flood and landslide situation in the district is being monitored round the clock. Three meals a day, clean water and sanitation have been provided in the shelters. In addition, miking and awareness campaigns are being conducted to move people living in the foothills and risky areas to safer places.