Continuous torrential rains triggered devastating landslides in Bangladesh, claiming five more lives, including a child and two married couples, in the early hours of July 9, 2026. The incidents occurred in separate landslides at Mission Para in the Aziznagar union of Lama upazila under hilly Bandarban district.
Details of the Landslides
The first landslide struck Mission Para around 3:00 AM on Wednesday night, burying three members of the same family alive. The deceased were identified as Md. Yunus (28), son of the late Adam Ali; his wife, Ranu Akhter (22); and their four-year-old son, Md. Soleman. Local residents and Fire Service personnel launched a rescue operation after the incident came to light around 4:00 AM, recovering the bodies.
Barely an hour and a half later, around 5:30 AM, a second landslide hit the exact same area, collapsing the wall of a single-story brick house. Md. Jewel (34) and his wife, Kulsuma Akhter (25), were trapped under heavy debris and died on the spot. The couple originally hailed from Rampura in Chittagong's Halishahar but had been residing in Mission Para as tenants.
Official Confirmation and Response
Mobarak Hossain Mohoram, Chairman of the Aziznagar Union Parishad (UP), confirmed the tragedy. He stated that he rushed to the spot immediately upon hearing the news at 4:00 AM and coordinated recovery efforts alongside the Fire Service and locals.
Lama Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Kayzar Hamid confirmed that three members of one family and two of another lost their lives. The bodies were handed over to their respective families after the completion of the inquest report.
Lama Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Moin Uddin expressed deep grief over the incident, saying, "The loss of five lives in these landslides is incredibly tragic. To prevent such disasters and protect lives, the administration is continuously conducting loudspeaker campaigns (miking), urging everyone living dangerously at the foothills to relocate to safer ground."
Rising Death Toll
Amid the monsoon rains and floods in the hilly areas of southern Bangladesh, the total number of deaths over the past four days has reached 27 due to landslides. The continuous downpour has exacerbated the risk of further landslides, prompting authorities to issue warnings and evacuation orders.
According to local and Fire Service sources, the landslides have caused widespread destruction, with many families losing their homes and livelihoods. Rescue operations are ongoing, but challenging terrain and weather conditions are hampering efforts.
Preventive Measures
The administration has intensified awareness campaigns using loudspeakers to warn residents in vulnerable areas. UNO Md. Moin Uddin emphasized the importance of relocating to safer grounds to avoid further casualties. The government has also mobilized additional resources for rescue and relief operations.
This tragedy highlights the devastating impact of monsoon rains in Bangladesh, a country prone to natural disasters such as floods and landslides. Climate change is believed to be intensifying these events, leading to more frequent and severe weather patterns.
