Five die as landslide hits Rohingya camp in Cox’s Bazar’s Ukhiya

At least five people have been killed after heavy rain triggered a landslide at a Rohingya refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar’s Ukhiya, police say.

The incident occurred at 1:40pm on Wednesday at a madrasa for girls in Rohingya Camp-5-A.

Although Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) Md Mizanur Rahman told bdnews24.com in the afternoon that eight people had died, he later revised the figure, saying five bodies had been recovered.

The RRRC, however, could not immediately provide specific information about the number of injured.

Local Rohingya camp leader Dil Mohammad said local residents reached the scene and started rescue operations before Fire Service personnel had arrived at the scene.

At least 30 students were inside the madrasa at the time of the landslide, Dil Mohammad said.

“Six people have been rescued from the debris so far and sent to the hospital. Several of them were found dead.”

Ukhiya Police Station chief Mujibur Rahman said, “So far we have heard about the recovery of five bodies. Rescue operations are ongoing, but the number of casualties could go up.”

Dil Mohammad said, “Rescue workers and local volunteers are continuing to try and remove the debris. We are worried that many others may be trapped inside the madrasa.”

On Sunday night, heavy rain had triggered landslides that killed eight people at Rohingya refugee camps in the region. Some of them were members of the same family. 

Several others were injured as well.