Continuous heavy rainfall in Khagrachhari has raised fears of landslides. Approximately 35,000 families are living precariously at the foot of various hills across the district.
The administration is conducting awareness campaigns, including public announcements, urging them to move to safe locations.
Heavy rain started in the district early Thursday (May 29) due to the influence of a depression. The water levels of the Chengi and Maini rivers have risen due to flash floods and excessive rainfall.
In this situation, a small hill collapsed in the remote Alutila area of Matiranga Upazila, though no casualties were reported.
High-Risk Areas and Concerns
According to the District Administration, around 35,000 families are living at risk at the foot of hills in various areas of the district. Of these, 3,500 families reside in just 30 locations within the municipal area.
These are primarily marginalized people who have illegally cut hills or built homes at their base. Their fear intensifies with the arrival of the monsoon season.
Many families are living in precarious conditions in areas like Shalbon, Kadamtoli, Cumillatila, Mollapara, Kalabagan, Nensibazar, Koibollyapith, and Shobujbag in the municipality.
Additionally, people also live at the foot of hills in various areas of Dighinala, Matiranga, Mohalchhari, Ramgarh, Lakshmichhari, and Manikchhari Upazilas.
Calls for Government Support
Residents living in these high-risk areas say they are forced to stay there because they have nowhere else to go. According to them, they could live safely if the government undertook initiatives to build reinforced protection walls or provide resettlement facilities.
Administrative Response
Md. Zakir Hossain, Assistant Director of Khagrachhari Fire Service, stated, "There is a risk of landslides during rain, and if a landslide occurs, there could be loss of life and property. That's why we are making public announcements, asking people to move to shelters and safe places."
Nazmun Ara Sultana, Administrator of Khagrachhari Municipality and Deputy Director of the District Local Government Department, said, "Awareness campaigns are being conducted in the risky areas. Residents are being asked to move to safe locations through public announcements."
District Commissioner A. B. M. Iftekharul Islam Khondker said, "As a precautionary measure, we made public announcements in various areas on Thursday. Our additional magistrates and Upazila Nirbahi Officers are on the ground, raising awareness among people. Efforts are underway to ensure everyone can go to shelters and stay safe."
