COX'S BAZAR, June 13: More than nine lakh Rohingyas who fled to Bangladesh from the Arakan State of Myanmar to avoid the atrocities of Myanmar army after August 25, 2017 are under risk of landslide. The number of old Rohingyas is three lakh. A total of 12 lakh Rohingyas took shelter in different camps at Kutupalang, Balukhali and Teknaf. They are at risk of landslide, flood and other natural calamities.
Sources said the Bangladesh Government and different national and international organisations arranged relief for the Rohingyas. The homeless people are worried about the upcoming rainy season. So, the United Nations and the associate organisations of Bangladesh Government are working to face the impending risk.
The organisations which are working with the Rohingyas said they built their homes in Balukhali and Kutupalang cutting hills. So the hills may collapse following rain. Besides, flood may happen as the drainage system has been disrupted for making shelter homes cutting hills.
According to Inter-Sector Coordination Group (ISCG), 50,000 Rohingya children are at great risk in the impending rainy season, and 50,000 Rohingya men and women may become direct victims of landslide. Nearly one lakh Rohingyas may fall in health risk. Most of the shanties are vulnerable to the stormy wind.
The shanties which are vulnerable to landslide and flood are being rebuilding. The Rohingyas who are at risk are being evacuated to the west side of Kutupalang camp. UNHCR officials said the Rohingyas need more awareness to face landslide, flood and natural calamities. The loss can be reduced if they know the protection measures.
Various programmes have been launched to make Rohingyas aware about the landslide and natural disaster.The officials of the United Nations and associate organisations are making the Rohingyas aware every day through rendering drama and songs. Abdul Shukur, Nabi Hossain, Amena Khatun and Shakhina Begum said they are in panic after knowing about the landslide, flood and natural calamities.
International Migratory Organisation (IOM) official Shirin Akhter said, to face flood, a nine-kilometre long marsh has been made at Kutupalang. Durable culverts are being made at the important places of the marsh. The road development work has been started so that the road communication can be smooth during disaster. ISSCG Communication Officer Nayna Bose said preparation has been taken to save lives from landslide and rain.
Now it is a great challenge to face next rainy season, she added.
