Low-lying areas of Khagrachari flooded due to continuous rain, landslides feared

Due to continuous rainfall, low-lying areas in nine upazilas of Khagrachhari hill district have been flooded. Along with this, the risk of landslides has increased. Water has risen in more than 40 areas located in the Chenggi, Feni and Maini river basins of the district. If there is continuous rainfall, there is a possibility of water rising in houses.

Water has risen in 40 low-lying areas of various upazilas including Merung, Kabakhali, Pablakhali in Dighinala, Muslimpara, Ganjpara, Kaladeba, Golabari in Khagrachari, Kalsir Mukh in Ramgarh, Kaladeba, Sonaiful. People in many areas have taken shelter in safe places. Locals believe that the water will recede in a few hours if it does not rain. However, if the rain continues, the suffering will increase.

On the other hand, there is anxiety among the families living at the foot of the mountain and on the risky slopes. Many are spending sleepless nights in fear that an accident could happen at any time. About 500 families in the entire district are at risk of landslides in Sabujbagh, Cumillatila, Shalban of Khagrachari Sadar, Paschim Kathaltali of Dighinala Upazila, Madhya Boalkhali, Rashik Nagar, Alutila, Notunpara, Nabinagar, Kathaltali of Matiranga Upazila, Bolitila of Ramgarh Upazila, Lachari Para, Kaladeba, Muslimpara of Manikchhari Upazila, Gachchabil, Kumari, Barapilak, Hafchhari, Daktar Tila of Guimara area.

Nazrul Islam Sohag, a resident of Sabujbagh area of ​​Khagrachari Sadar, said, "The soil of the hills has become soft due to the continuous rains of the last few days. Cracks have also appeared in the ground in some places. If there is continuous rain, there may be landslides. The residents of the area are extremely worried about this."

Another resident of the Shalban area, Zarina Begum, said that the fear of landslides returns with the onset of monsoon. Despite living in risky conditions, many families are unable to move elsewhere due to financial constraints. Therefore, worries increase with the onset of rainfall.

Fire Service Station Officer Pankaj Barua said, "Due to continuous rainfall, the vulnerable hilly areas of the upazila have been kept under constant observation. Those living on the foothills and vulnerable slopes are requested to be alert and move to safe shelters quickly if necessary. The administration, fire service and related departments are ready to deal with any emergency situation."

Khagrachari Deputy Commissioner Md. Anwar Sadat said, "The administration has taken all necessary preparations to deal with possible disasters. Residents of vulnerable areas have been urged to follow the instructions of the local administration and keep an eye on the latest weather forecast."