Flood situation worsens in Bandarban, road link with rest of country cut off
Landslides, inundated roads, and a collapsed bridge have disrupted communication, while several areas remain without power and mobile networks.
Highlights:
- Road links to Rangamati, Rowangchhari, Ruma, and Thanchi are suspended.
- A bridge on the Bandarban-Rangamati route collapses.
- Many areas remain without power and mobile network coverage.
The flood situation in Bandarban has worsened, with landslides, submerged roads, and a collapsed bridge disrupting road links with the rest of the country.
Road links from the district town to Rangamati, Bangalhalia-Chandraghona, Ruma, Rowangchhari, and Thanchi upazilas have been suspended due to landslides and floodwater on several roads.
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Long-distance bus services from Bandarban to Dhaka, Chattogram, and Cox's Bazar have also been suspended as parts of the road in Satkania's Bajalia area remain submerged, and fallen trees are blocking routes.
According to the Roads and Highways Department (RHD), a bridge on the Rangamati-Bandarban connecting road collapsed in Chattogram's Rangunia upazila in the early hours of today (11 July).
RHD Executive Engineer Shakhawat Hossain said a nearby rubber dam's embankment collapsed, creating a strong water current that washed away part of the bridge approach.
"An RHD team is ready to work on restoring communication but cannot reach the site as water remains on the road near Balaghata and Swarnamandir areas," he told The Business Standard.
Meanwhile, electricity supply remained interrupted across Bandarban town after a tree fell on power poles and lines near Kasai Para in the bus station area this morning.
Mobile network services have also remained interrupted in many areas, with locals facing difficulties accessing emergency information due to poor connectivity.
On a visit to different parts of the town, this correspondent found floodwater in many areas, including vital locations such as the Fire Service office, the power distribution department rest house, the army brigade area, the Betar area, and police lines. In parts of the brigade area and police lines, people were seen using boats to move around in the flooded areas.
Locals said the situation had improved yesterday morning temporarily as rainfall eased and water started receding from low-lying areas. However, heavy rain at night caused water levels to rise again from this morning.
The flood situation also deteriorated in Ruma, Rowangchhari, Thanchi, Lama, and Alikadam upazilas, where some areas are still without electricity and mobile connectivity.
Mehlaong Marma, chairman of Rowangchhari Sadar Union Parishad, said several low-lying areas in the upazila had completely submerged.
"Even getting updates through phone calls has become difficult. We have to go to the areas ourselves to know the situation," he said.
Manjur Alam, upazila nirbahi officer of Alikadam, said an estimated 1,330 families across four unions had been marooned, based on those whose homes were flooded. A separate list will be prepared for agricultural losses.
Meanwhile, non-government organisations have also started relief activities in flood-hit areas.
Sushanta Biswas, Bandarban district coordinator of BRAC, said relief packages worth Tk885, containing rice, lentils, sugar, molasses, salt, and onions, had been distributed among 300 families in Lama, 100 families in Naikhyangchhari, and 265 families in the Goalikhol area of Bandarban Sadar.
Ubanu Marma, deputy executive director of Bolipara Nari Kallyan Samity, said the organisation had provided Tk5,000 each through bKash to 16,000 flood-affected families in Bandarban municipality, Bandarban Sadar Union, Jamchhari Union, Kuhalong Union, Lama municipality, Lama Sadar Union, Gajalia Union, and Rupshipara Union.
SM Manjurul Haque, additional deputy commissioner and municipal administrator of Bandarban, told The Business Standard that water levels in the town were continuing to rise.
He also said 3,300 people staying at shelters and other locations were provided lunch today, while arrangements were being made to provide food to more than 8,000 people at night.
Locals living along the Sangu River and in low-lying areas of Lama and Alikadam are still staying at shelters. Considering the situation, the district administration has extended the closure of all tourist spots until 15 July and advised people to move carefully.
