Bandarban tourist centres closed until Friday amid heavy rain, landslide risks

The Bandarban district administration has declared all tourist centres in the district closed until Friday (10 July) due to continuous rainfall and the risks posed to transport and public safety.

The decision was announced in a public notice signed by Deputy Commissioner Md Saniul Ferdous last (6 July) night.

According to the notice, continuous heavy rainfall in recent days has created hazardous conditions in different parts of the hill district, affecting communication networks and increasing safety risks. 

Considering the prevailing weather conditions and potential dangers, the administration has suspended access to all tourist destinations until 10 July to protect the lives and property of tourists and local residents.

The notice said travel by tourists, tour operators and the general public to all tourist centres, waterfalls, hill trails, waterways, remote areas and other risky locations in the district will remain prohibited during this period.

Meanwhile, Bandarban Power Distribution Division Executive Engineer Amir Hossain said vehicle movement on the Bandarban-Cox's Bazar-Chattogram route has been disrupted since yesterday afternoon after a 33kV power line pole collapsed in the Reicha area.

He said only CNG-run autorickshaws and small vehicles are currently able to use the route. Three teams from the power department are working to restore the damaged power line.

Landslides have also been reported in several areas along the Bandarban-Ruma and Bandarban-Thanchi roads.

Amid the continuing heavy rain and the risk of further landslides, the administrations of the district's seven upazilas have been using loudspeakers to urge residents living in vulnerable areas to move to safer locations.