Bandarban floods worsen, road links cut off
Bandarban floods affect 100,000 people and cut road links, as rivers surge above danger levels after six days of driving rains
ATT Desk Report 
The flood situation in Bandarban has deteriorated sharply after six consecutive days of heavy rainfall, with Sangu and Matamuhuri rivers flowing above danger levels and flooding 29 out of 34 unions of the district, thereby multiplying massive public sufferings, according to local media outlets.
More than 100,000 people are now in distress across over 500 villages, the authorities said. The district administration reported that more than 5,000 residents from landslide-prone areas have been evacuated, while more than 4,600 people have taken shelter in 54 evacuation centres.
Fresh flooding was reported overnight in Bandarban town and several upazilas, including Thanchi, Ruma, Rowangchhari, Lama and Alikadam, as upstream flows pushed water levels higher.
Roads cut off and power outages
Road communication between the district headquarters and upazilas, as well as with the rest of the country, has been severely disrupted. Landslides and submerged roads have suspended links to Rangamati and key upazilas. Long-distance bus services to Dhaka, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar remain halted after road sections in Satkania’s Bajalia area went underwater and a bridge approach collapsed in Rangunia due to a rubber dam embankment failure, according to the Roads and Highways Department.
In many areas, boats have become the only means of transport. Power outages plagued Bandarban town after a tree fell on power lines near Kasai Para, while mobile network disruptions have hampered emergency communication. Floodwaters engulfing vital locations, including the Fire Service office, army brigade area and police lines, where residents were seen moving by boat.
Relief efforts intensify
District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Bulbul Akter Setu said to media, 220 shelters have been prepared to deal with flooding and possible landslides. The army, Fire Service, police and volunteers are continuing rescue and relief operations.
According to the district meteorological office, Bandarban recorded 88mm of rainfall in the 24 hours until 6:00pm today, with more rain expected. As of 10:00am, the Sangu was flowing at 16.81 metres, above danger level, while the Matamuhuri stood at 12.13 metres, said Apu Dev, executive engineer of the Water Development Board.
Non-government organisations have joined relief efforts. BRAC distributed food packages to 665 families, while Bolipara Nari Kallyan Samity provided Tk 5,000 each via bKash to 16,000 affected families. Additional Deputy Commissioner SM Manjurul Haque said 3,300 shelter residents received lunch today, with arrangements for over 8,000 to receive meals at night.
The authorities have extended the closure of all tourist spots until July 15 and advised caution as the risk of further flooding and landslides persists.
