Army intensifies rescue operations as floods batter Chattogram Hill Tracts

The Bangladesh Army has intensified rescue, relief and restoration efforts across the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) as heavy rainfall, flash floods and landslides continue to disrupt normal life in the region.

According to an ISPR statement issued on Friday (July 10), the Army is working in coordination with local administrations, law enforcement agencies and other government bodies to evacuate residents, distribute emergency relief and restore road connectivity in the affected areas.

Army engineering teams have been deployed with heavy equipment to clear landslide debris and reopen roads blocked by soil and rubble. Authorities have also relocated around 221 families from high-risk landslide zones to safer shelters.

The Army has also launched operations to rescue stranded tourists. So far, 140 tourists have been evacuated from Bandarban, while 150 of nearly 600 stranded tourists in Sajek have been brought to safety in the first phase with support from the local administration. Evacuation of the remaining tourists is ongoing.

To support affected communities, the Army is distributing cooked meals, dry food, safe drinking water and other emergency relief supplies, alongside essential food items including rice, lentils, cooking oil and potatoes among both hill and Bengali families.

The Army said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation and will continue rescue, relief, road restoration and rehabilitation efforts in coordination with the relevant authorities until normalcy returns.