Army and fire service personnel are seen clearing debris from the landslide blocking the Bandarban-Thanchi road in Bandarban. Photo: Messenger
Continuous heavy rainfall over three consecutive days in Bandarban has triggered a significant landslide on the 48-kilometer stretch of the Bandarban-Thanchi road. This landslide has effectively blocked the road, severing communication along this crucial route. As a result, various types of vehicles are stranded on both sides of the affected section, leading to substantial disruptions in local traffic and transportation.
Reports indicate that the persistent rain has caused waist-deep water to accumulate on the main roads in areas such as Lama, Alikadam, and Naikhongchhari. The heavy downpour has led to landslides in multiple locations; however, authorities have confirmed that no casualties have been reported so far. To prevent potential loss of life from further landslides, local administration officials are using loudspeakers to urge residents living at the foot of the hills to evacuate to safer locations.
In response to the situation, army and fire service personnel have been deployed to the site to clear the debris from the landslide blocking the road. According to Purna Chandra Mutsuddi, the Assistant Director of Fire Service and Civil Defense in Bandarban, they received news of the landslide at around 7:45 AM on Thursday, indicating that debris had obstructed the road after Nilgiri on the Bandarban-Thanchi route. Immediate action was taken, with teams from the Thanchi and Bandarban fire services dispatched to address the blockage.
Upon arrival, the fire service team commenced the urgent task of clearing the debris from the road. To expedite this process, the army has mobilized bulldozers and excavators to assist in the cleanup efforts. Mutsuddi confirmed that they anticipate restoring road communication by this afternoon, provided the weather conditions remain stable.
In addition to the challenges on the Bandarban-Thanchi road, Naikhongchhari Upazila Parishad Chairman Tofail Ahmad reported that low-lying areas of Tumbru in Ghumdhum Union have been flooded due to hill runoff and rising water levels in the tributaries of the Naf River. This flooding has adversely affected at least two hundred families in the region, adding to the challenges faced by local residents.
Despite these incidents, Bandarban Deputy Commissioner Shah Mozahid Uddin reassured the public that there has been no significant damage resulting from the recent weather events. However, he acknowledged that communication along the Thanchi road remains temporarily suspended due to the landslide. Uddin also mentioned that while water levels have risen in low-lying areas, officials expect the situation to normalize soon as the rain subsides.
The authorities are closely monitoring the situation and working collaboratively to restore normalcy in the affected areas. As local residents face the challenges posed by the heavy rainfall and subsequent landslides, the collective efforts of the army, fire service, and community members demonstrate a commitment to ensuring safety and restoring essential transportation routes as quickly as possible. The resilience of the local community, coupled with the swift action of emergency services, is critical in navigating this challenging situation and minimizing the impact of the adverse weather conditions.
The recent landslide on the Bandarban-Thanchi road highlights the impact of continuous heavy rainfall on local infrastructure and communities. While emergency services are actively working to restore access and ensure safety, the situation underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and preparedness to mitigate the effects of severe weather in the region.
Messenger/Fameema
