Rangamati hanging bridge reopens to tourists after a week underwater

Rangamati's hanging bridge has emerged from the waters of Kaptai Lake after remaining submerged for a week.

The bridge was reopened to tourists and locals at noon on Saturday, said Alok Bikash Chakma, manager of Rangamati Tourism Holiday Complex.

"The water had completely receded from the bridge by Saturday morning, so it was reopened at noon. Tourists can now visit the bridge by purchasing tickets," he said.

The capacity of Kaptai Lake is 109 feet above mean sea level (MSL). However, the bridge deck becomes submerged when the lake's water level rises above 105 feet.

The hanging bridge went underwater on Aug 29 after heavy rain and upstream runoff caused the lake's water level to rise. It remained submerged for a week.

According to data from the Karnaphuli Hydroelectric Power Station, the lake's water level stood at 105.18 feet MSL at 1pm on Saturday.

As the level remains above the point at which the bridge deck becomes submerged, there are concerns that the bridge could go underwater again if heavy rain occurs.