Continuous heavy rainfall has triggered flooding and heightened the risk of landslides across Bandarban district, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate their homes and seek refuge in emergency shelters.
Low-lying areas of Bandarban town, as well as Lama and Naikhongchhari upazilas, were inundated after water levels rose rapidly on Tuesday night. Neighborhoods including Army Para, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Islampur, Barisal Para, and surrounding areas went underwater, with floodwaters entering homes, roads, and courtyards.
Residents said runoff from surrounding hills caused water levels to rise dramatically within a short period, leaving families little time to move their belongings. In several locations, floodwaters reached knee to waist height, disrupting normal movement and daily activities.
"Due to the continuous rain and rising water, we had to leave our home and move to a shelter. The administration has made all necessary arrangements for us," said Md Farid, a resident of Army Para.
The situation remains critical in several flood-hit areas, including Ujani Para, where residents fear further deterioration if the downpour continues.
Heavy rainfall has also caused the Sangu River to swell and triggered landslides in different parts of the district. Although landslides have been reported along roads and hilly slopes, authorities said no casualties had been recorded as of Wednesday.
As a precautionary measure, tourist travel to Bandarban tourist destinations has been suspended until next Friday. Hotels and motels across the district have become largely vacant, while all 161 tourists who had been stranded because of the adverse weather have been safely evacuated, according to Deputy Commissioner Md Saniul Ferdous.
Floodwaters have also affected Lama, Naikhongchhari, and Bandarban Sadar upazilas, where many families have been forced to abandon their homes and move to emergency shelters.
Authorities are particularly concerned about thousands of families living in informal settlements at the foothills in areas including Kalaghata, Kasempara, Memberpara, Islampur, Banarupapara, Hafezghona, the Bus Station area, Stadium area, Noapara, and Kasaipara. Continuous public announcements are urging residents in landslide-prone zones to relocate immediately to safer shelter centers.
According to the Bandarban Meteorological Office, the district recorded 195 millimeters of rainfall by 3pm yesterday, an amount classified as very heavy rainfall. Forecasters warned that the rainy conditions are expected to persist.
Bandarban Municipality Administrator SM Manjurul Haque said the district administration has prepared 220 shelter centers to accommodate displaced residents. The municipality is also supplying both dry food and cooked meals to people staying at the shelters.
Authorities have advised residents living in flood- and landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant, follow official warnings, and relocate to designated shelters if conditions worsen.
