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Nearly 30,000 families living at the foothills across all seven upazilas of Bandarban have been facing a severe threat of landslides after two days of relentless heavy rainfall.
Sources said continuous rainfall has heightened fears of landslides, putting thousands of families living in unplanned settlements in Kalaghata, Kashempara, Islampur, Banrupapara, Hafezghona, the Bus Station area, the Stadium area, Noapara, Kasaipara and other locations in Bandarban Sadar at significant risk.
Meanwhile, persistent rainfall over the past two days has caused water levels in the Sangu River to rise steadily with runoff from the upstream hill. As a result, homes along the riverbanks are also under the threat of flooding.
Residents of Islampur said they have no alternative shelter and are therefore compelled to remain in these high-risk areas despite the danger.
Bandarban Municipality Administrator Manjurul Alam said continuous rainfall over the past several days has increased the risk of landslides and flooding in low-lying areas.
He added that the authorities are on alert to respond to any emergency.
Bandarban Deputy Commissioner Saniul Ferdous said the district administration has taken all necessary disaster preparedness measures.
He said executive magistrates and upazila nirbahi officers (UNOs) in all the seven upazilas have been instructed to relocate residents living in landslide-prone areas to safer locations.
The Bandarban district administration has temporarily banned travel to all tourist destinations in the hill district until July 10 due to persistent heavy rainfall and the heightened risk of weather-related disasters.
The restriction applies to tourists, tour operators, and the general public, prohibiting visits to waterfalls, hill trails, rivers, remote areas and other locations considered vulnerable to landslides, flash floods and other natural hazards.
The decision was announced in an emergency public notice issued on Monday and signed by Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate M Saniul Ferdous.
