Mohammad Sohel:
At least 33 unions in 9 upazilas of Cox’s Bazar district have been flooded due to continuous heavy rains during the monsoon season. Due to the increase in the water level of the mountains and rivers, people in various areas of Ramu, Chakaria, Pekua, Maheshkhali and Teknaf have been stranded.
According to the Cox’s Bazar Meteorological Office, 129 millimeters of rainfall was recorded in the district in the previous 24 hours till 6 am on Tuesday. Rain continued in the district on Tuesday as well.
According to district administration sources, at least 14 unions in Ramu and Chakaria upazilas have been flooded due to the increase in the water level of the mountains and the Bankkhali and Matamuhuri rivers. Hundreds of houses have been damaged. In addition, various low-lying areas of Cox’s Bazar Municipality, Teknaf, Ukhia, Pekua, Maheshkhali, Eidgaon and Kutubdia have also been submerged.
Eight Rohingyas and a resident of Cox’s Bazar city were killed in multiple landslides in a shelter camp on Sunday night due to continuous rain. In addition, a child died when a mud house collapsed in Pekua upazila.
Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md. A. Mannan said that the situation is gradually normalizing as the rain has subsided. However, considering the risk of landslides, at least 1,000 people have been evacuated to safe places from various hilly areas of Cox’s Bazar city, Ramu, Ukhia and Teknaf.
He said that people living in risky areas are being asked to take shelter in safe places through miking and publicity in each upazila.
Abdul Hannan, assistant meteorologist at the Cox’s Bazar Meteorological Office, said that there is a possibility of heavy rainfall for the next two days. If the rain continues, the risk of landslides and landslides may increase further.
Teknaf upazila has suffered the most in the district due to heavy rain. Several villages in Hnila, Hoaikyong, Sadar, Sabrang and Baharchhara unions have been flooded. More than 500 families have been left stranded due to water entering their homes.
Acting Chairman of Hnila Union Parishad Md. Ali said that at least 400 houses in the union have been flooded due to heavy rains. Many roads have been damaged. In addition, more than a hundred mud houses have been partially or completely damaged.
Teknaf Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) SM Md. Anik Chowdhury said that landslides are occurring in different areas of the upazila. Those living in risky hills are being evacuated to safe shelters. The situation is being monitored round the clock.
Due to adverse weather and rough seas, boat traffic between Teknaf and St. Martin Island has been suspended. As a result, two HSC examinees from the island could not come to Teknaf yesterday to take part in the examination.
The district administration has sent an application to the Ministry of Education to give them the opportunity to take part in the examination again. In addition, the cooperation of the Coast Guard has been sought to take part in the next examination.
Acting Chairman of St. Martin Union Parishad, Faizul Islam, said that the communication between Teknaf and the island has been cut off for five consecutive days. There is no sign of a quick improvement in the situation. Due to this, there is a fear of a food crisis on the island.
Heavy rains and landslides have caused waterlogging in various areas of Cox’s Bazar Municipality. The hotel-motel zone of the district city, Kalatali, Sugandha, Bazarghata, Kalur Shop, Taraboniachhara, Alirjahal, bus terminal and roads adjacent to the BGB camp have been submerged in water. Along with local residents, tourists have also suffered.
In addition, a dilapidated bridge on the Lemshakhali-Kairbil road in Kutubdia upazila collapsed on Monday morning. This has cut off communication between people in the two areas.
Member of the Kairbil Union Parishad, Md. Faruk said that the bridge, which had been in a risky condition for a long time, suddenly collapsed. However, no casualties were reported. Deputy Commissioner Md. A. Mannan said there is a risk of more heavy rain in the next few days. Therefore, utmost precautions are being taken to prevent further loss of life in landslides.
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