To avert landslide-related casualties and damage during the upcoming rainy season, Chittagong district administration on Sunday evicted people at risk of landslide from Modhu Shah hills near Jalalabad Housing Society in the city.
A total of 34 families were evicted during the eviction drive. Besides, the utility connections like power, gas and water have severed so that the occupants cannot return to the hills.
Representatives from Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Ltd (KGDCL), Chittagong Wasa, Power Development Board, Department of Environment and Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) took part in the eviction drive.
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The local administration asked people at risk of landslide to move to safer places as a precaution. Besides, the district administration opened shelters for the evacuees.
According to the Chittagong District Administration, there are 28 hills in the district which are vulnerable to landslides.
The district administration has so far listed 835 families who are living on the 17 most vulnerable hills.
The hills are owned by different government, autonomous, private organisations and individuals including Bangladesh Railway, Public Works Department, Chittagong Wasa, Chittagong City Corporation.
Medical teams formed, control room opened
Chittagong Civil Surgeon Office has formed medical teams and opened a control room to combat possible landslide-related casualties induced by heavy rains.
The medical teams will provide services round the clock. Additional workforce has been kept stand by at Chittagong Civil Surgeon office to face any emergency situation.
Heavy rainfall may trigger landslides in Chittagong
Heavy rainfall may trigger landslides in Chittagong division, Bangladesh Meteorological Department has said in a forecast.
In the heavy rainfall warning issued Saturday, it said heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur at some places in Barisal and Chittagong divisions due to active monsoon over Bangladesh, according to the Met office bulletin.
Besides, light to moderate rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at most places over Dhaka, Khulna, Sylhet divisions and at many places over Rangpur, Rajshahi and Mymensingh divisions with moderately heavy to heavy falls at places over southern part of the country.
Landslide may occur at places over the hilly regions of Chittagong division due to the rainfall, the bulletin added.
