4,000 moved to shelters as landslides leave scores dead in Bangladesh

About 4,000 people have moved to 18 shelters in areas hit by landslides in Chittagong, Rangamati and Bandarban, says the government.

At least 69 have died buried under soil loosened by heavy rains in the wake of a land depression since Sunday.

The army and fire service members launched rescue efforts in the three southeastern districts, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya said at a media briefing on Tuesday.

“We have put 4,000 to 4,500 people in the shelters. More are being rescued and brought to safety. We have made arrangements for medical treatment.”  

“We are providing them with food. We will do this until they can return home.”  

Four soldiers died in a landslide near their camp at Manikchhari of Rangamati while they were working to clear the Rangamati-Chittagong Highway blocked by an earlier landslide.    

One army soldier was still missing, said Maya. “Several more are buried under soil.”

Rain and strong winds were hampering rescue efforts, he said.

The government sent 5,000 tonnes of rice and Tk 1.2 million for buying essentials for people who were at the shelters.

The minister said he would be in Rangamati with his secretary to see the damage for himself.