Heavy rain triggers flood and landslide fears in Khagrachhari

Continuous rainfall over the past few days in Khagrachhari has raised the risk of flooding and landslides in the hill district. Rising water levels in the Maini and Chengi rivers have started inundating low-lying areas, prompting concern among local residents.

On Wednesday (July 9), water from the Chengi River was observed approaching the danger level in areas such as Muslim Para, Ganj Para, and Shalbagan in Khagrachhari Sadar Upazila. Some families reported water entering their courtyards and homes.

“If the rain continues, the river water will soon reach our houses,” said Md. Kamal, a resident of Muslim Para. “We’re living in fear.”

In Dighinala Upazila’s Merung area, the Maini River has flooded parts of the road near the Boro Merung Steel Bridge. Although vehicles are still moving, locals fear the road could become impassable if rain intensifies upstream. Water has already entered several homes in low-lying parts of the area.

Meanwhile, landslide risks loom large over hundreds of families living along hill slopes in Shalbagan, Kalabagan, and Sabujbagh. The upazila administration has begun relocating residents to safer shelters.

Khagrachhari Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sujon Chandra Roy stated, “Over 300 families are living in vulnerable hillside areas. Due to ongoing rainfall, the risk of landslides is high. As a precaution, many have been relocated to local schools, and several shelters are on standby.”