Langadu cut off due to downpours, landslides in Khagrachhari, people rush to shelters

Incessant rainfall has caused the water level of Maini river to rise above the danger mark, cutting off road connectivity between Rangamati’s Langadu Upazila and the rest of the country.

In addition, the downpours triggered landslides in parts of Khagrachhari. Although there have been no casualties, road links have been snapped.

Amid the landslides, at least 500 people have been taken to non-government Shishu Kalyan Primary School in Sadar district’s Shalbon area for shelter.

On Sunday afternoon, the local administration said the Maini river in Dighinala has been flowing above the danger mark, inundating low-lying areas.

An area named “headquarters” in Dighinala’s Merung Union has already been submerged.

As a result, road connectivity between Rangamati’s Langadu and the rest of the country has been cut off.

Additionally, several other places in Merung Union including Sobahanpur and Merung Bazaar have been inundated.

A total of 37 families have taken shelter at Chhoto Merung Bazaar Government Primary School, Dighinala Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Amit Kumar Saha said, adding that the submerged roads have disrupted vehicular movement.

Meanwhile, a landslide reportedly occurred in the hill district’s Dhumonighat area early on Sunday, temporarily halting traffic on the Mahalachhari–Jaliapara road.

In addition, landslides were reported in Bhuyachhari, Gugarachhari and Nancy Bazar areas of Khagrachhari Sadar upazila. Although there were no casualties, vehicle movement was disrupted.

The continuous downpour has also caused waterlogging in parts of Khagrachhari, said Roads and Highways Department Executive Engineer Mahmudur Rahman.

He said that the department and Fire Service personnel are trying to clear the roads.

Moreover, a landslide on the Dighinala–Langadu road has disrupted traffic. Later, the department took measures to remove the debris, he added.

Khagrachhari Deputy Commissioner ABM Iftekharul Islam Khandker said, “A total of 124 shelters have been opened in the district. Announcements are being made continuously on loudspeakers, urging people in risky areas to move to shelters.

“For those who have taken refuge in the shelters, adequate water and food have been arranged,” he said.

Around 93mm of rainfall has been recorded in Khagrachhari over the past 24 hours, according to Dighinala Meteorological Observation Centre’s Subhuti Chakma.