10 DIU students rescued after being stranded at Ham Ham waterfall

Ten students of Dhaka International University who were stranded at the popular Ham Ham Waterfall in the Rajkandi Reserved Forest of Kamalganj upazila, Moulvibazar, were rescued safely on Monday in a joint operation conducted by police, Tourist Police, Fire Service and Civil Defence, with assistance from local volunteers.

According to officials, the 10-member group travelled from Dhaka to visit the waterfall on Monday morning. While trekking along the rugged trail, one of the students slipped and sustained a serious hand injury. As the group was unable to carry the injured student back through the difficult terrain, they sought assistance by calling the national emergency service, 999.

Kamalganj Police were informed of the incident through the 999 emergency service at around 3:00 pm. A rescue team comprising members of Kamalganj Police Station, Tourist Police, Fire Service and Civil Defence, along with local volunteers, immediately launched a rescue operation.

After nearly one hour and 45 minutes of efforts, the team successfully rescued all 10 tourists at around 4:45 pm.

The injured student was given first aid before being sent to hospital for advanced treatment. The remaining nine students were reported to be in good health.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kamalganj Police Station, Komor Uddin, said they began the rescue operation immediately after receiving the emergency call through 999.

"Despite the challenging mountainous terrain, the coordinated efforts of all agencies enabled us to rescue everyone safely. The injured tourist was also provided with prompt medical assistance," he said.

Officer-in-Charge of Sreemangal Tourist Police, Md Kamrul Islam, said all 10 tourists were rescued in the joint operation. He added that the injured student received treatment at Sreemangal Upazila Health Complex before the group departed for their destination.

Foyez Ahmed, an official of Kamalganj Fire Service and Civil Defence, urged tourists to exercise caution while visiting Ham Ham Waterfall, particularly during the monsoon season when the rocky trails and mountain streams become extremely slippery. He also advised visitors to travel in groups, hire local guides when necessary, and contact the national emergency service, 999, in case of emergencies.

Local authorities warned that the risk of accidents increases significantly during the rainy season due to slippery rocks and trails, and urged tourists to take adequate safety precautions while visiting the waterfal.

SS/HIS