With floodwaters retreating, mud and isolation grip Bandarban

Long-distance buses have resumed, but direct road links with several Upazilas remain severed by landslides

Floodwaters are steadily retreating from Bandarban town after two rain-free days, but residents now face the daunting task of clearing mud-filled homes and rebuilding their lives.

Low-lying neighbourhoods remain waterlogged, but the biggest challenge now is clearing thick mud and debris left inside homes and businesses.

On Monday, residents of Armipara, Memberpara, Kashempara, Islampur, Hafezghona, Kyechingghata and Balaghata were seen cleaning houses and shops.

Roads that were chest-deep in water days ago are now mostly passable, while people are returning to work and assessing losses.

Rahima Begum of Armipara said mud still covered her home despite the water receding before dawn.

Shopkeeper Kalam Howlader said he had spent five days stranded and was cleaning his flood-hit business after taking shelter elsewhere.

Usangma Marma said she had been cleaning since Saturday and was still drying household belongings.

Long-distance buses to Dhaka, Chattogram and Cox's Bazar have gradually resumed.

However, landslides continue to block direct road links with Ruma, Rowangchhari and Thanchi, forcing travellers to rely on motorcycles and jeeps.

Additional Deputy Commissioner SM Manjurul Haque said many people remained in shelters and would continue receiving cooked meals until they were able to return home and resume normal life.