Dhaka, Jul 10 (V7N)- Days of continuous heavy rainfall and landslides have caused widespread devastation across Bangladesh's three hill districts, leaving thousands of people stranded as major roads remain blocked and several rivers continue to flow above the danger level.
According to local authorities, the Sangu, Matamuhuri and Bankkhali rivers remain above the danger mark, keeping vast low-lying areas of Bandarban inundated.
On Friday, road communication between Bandarban, Rangamati and Khagrachhari and other parts of the country remained suspended after landslides damaged key highways and hill roads.
The flooding has created an acute humanitarian situation, with many stranded residents facing shortages of food and other essential supplies. Daily wage earners, farmers and jhum cultivators have been among the worst affected as livelihoods have been disrupted by the prolonged disaster.
Authorities said relief assistance is being distributed to people staying in shelters, while the Bangladesh Army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the local administration are continuing relief and rescue operations in remote and inaccessible areas.
In Bandarban, the flooding has submerged most low-lying localities, while road communication with Chattogram remains cut off.
In Rangamati, a landslide in Baghaichhari has severed road links with Dhaka and Chattogram via Khagrachhari and Dighinala. Roads connecting Rangamati with Khagrachhari, Mahalchhari, Longadu, Baghaichhari, Rajasthali and Bandarban also remain closed.
In neighboring Khagrachhari, floodwaters have inundated roads, markets and residential areas in Merung Union under Dighinala Upazila, leaving thousands of residents in distress.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Army reported that more than 500 tourists stranded in Sajek Valley have been evacuated safely.
The district administration has also extended its ban on visits to tourist destinations in the hill districts until the situation returns to normal, citing ongoing risks from heavy rainfall and landslides.
END/SMA/AJ
