Over 4,000 people in shelters as 60 landslides hit Rangamati

Continuous heavy rainfall over the last five days has triggered 60 landslides across various areas of Rangamati district, increasing the risk of waterlogging and flash floods. To prevent potential casualties, the district administration has been evacuating residents from high-risk slopes to safe shelters.

This information was revealed in a press release signed by the District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer, issued by the Deputy Commissioner's media cell on Thursday morning (July 9).

According to the notification, a total of 4,166 people have taken refuge in 34 shelters across the district as of Thursday morning.

The torrential rains caused landslides at various locations, including along the Rangamati-Chattogram highway, and damaged several residential houses.

Although the rainfall began to recede on Thursday morning, upstream hilly torrents have submerged low-lying areas in Baghaichhari upazila, leaving thousands of people marooned. Floodwaters have also entered several key establishments, including Kachalong College and the upazila parishad premises.

According to district administration data, despite the severe risk of landslides, many residents living at the foothills remain reluctant to move to the shelters. As of Wednesday, only 103 people had taken refuge in three out of the 18 shelters in Kaptai upazila. A similar reluctance was observed at several shelters within the district town.

While the rain has stopped since morning, the district administration continues to monitor the situation closely. Officials hope that normalcy will return swiftly if the heavy downpour does not resume.