Special warning issued over rain-triggered landslide risk

Bangladesh’s Meteorological Department has issued a special warning over a high risk of landslides in the country’s southeastern hill districts as persistent heavy rainfall is expected to continue.
In an advisory issued on Sunday, the weather agency said a low-pressure area over central Uttar Pradesh in India, coupled with an active monsoon over the northern Bay of Bengal, is likely to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Chattogram, Rangamati and Khagrachhari.
According to forecast models, these districts could receive 100 to 300 mm of rainfall, significantly increasing the risk of landslides on vulnerable hill slopes as well as flash floods.
The Meteorological Department urged residents living on or near unstable hillsides to move immediately to designated safe shelters. Local authorities have been asked to prioritize the evacuation of elderly people, children, pregnant women and persons with disabilities.
The advisory also called on authorities to ensure adequate facilities and backup power at evacuation centres, while warning residents to stay away from rivers and streams due to the possibility of sudden flooding.
People have been advised to remain in close contact with family members, neighbours, volunteers and local disaster management committees. They were also urged to carry dry food, safe drinking water, essential medicines, flashlights, candles, matches and at least three days’ worth of clothing when moving to shelters, and to secure important documents.
The weather agency further advised residents to keep mobile phones and power banks fully charged, clear nearby drainage channels, move livestock to safer locations and strictly follow instructions from local authorities and the latest weather forecasts.