Severe monsoon rains in southern Bangladesh triggered a landslide at a Rohingya refugee camp in Cox's Bazar on Wednesday, killing three children, while widespread flooding submerged low-lying areas and disrupted transport across several districts.
Landslide at Rohingya Camp
The landslide occurred at a madrasa in the Rohingya refugee camp in Ukhiya Upazila of Cox's Bazar district, home to the world's largest Rohingya refugee settlement. According to The Daily Star, three children were killed after a landslide buried the madrasa amid heavy monsoon rains. Rescue operations are ongoing.
Flooding and River Levels
The worsening weather has intensified flooding in the hilly district of Bandarban, where the Sangu and Matamuhuri rivers are flowing above the danger level. Several low-lying areas have been submerged, and floodwaters have inundated sections of the railway line linking Dhaka, Cox's Bazar, and Chattogram, affecting rail connectivity.
Continuous heavy rainfall and surging mountain torrents have caused the Sangu River and several hill streams in Thanchi Upazila to swell to dangerous levels, raising concerns over further flooding and landslides.
Tourists Stranded and Evacuated
Adverse conditions have also stranded tourists in remote hill areas. As water currents became increasingly hazardous, 37 more tourists were stranded in Nafakhum, Jinnapara, and Bagher Mukh. Meanwhile, 77 tourists who had been stranded around the Keokradong peak in Ruma Upazila were safely evacuated to Bandarban town with the assistance of the local administration and security forces.
Relentless Rainfall
According to local authorities and administrative sources, relentless rainfall since Sunday has pushed the water levels of the Sangu and Matamuhuri rivers well above the danger marks. Smaller mountain streams, waterfalls, and canals have also overflowed, making travel through the hilly terrain extremely risky and complicating ongoing rescue and relief operations.
