At least nine people, including eight Rohingya refugees, were killed and several others injured in separate landslides triggered by heavy rainfall at three Rohingya camps in Ukhiya and in Cox's Bazar town overnight. The landslides occurred between 1:00 am and 3:30 am at Rohingya camps 7, 11 and 15 in Ukhiya. Fire Service personnel, APBn members, camp authorities and Rohingya volunteers carried out overnight rescue operations.
Deadliest Incident at Jamtoli Camp-15
The deadliest incident took place at Jamtoli Rohingya Camp-15 in Palongkhali union around 1:30 am, when a large section of a hill collapsed on the house of Mohammad Kamal Hossain. Kalam (44), his wife Humaira Begum (39) and their four-year-old son Mohammad Anas were killed, while several other family members were injured.
Further Tragedies at Kutupalong and Balukhali Camps
About half an hour later, another landslide at Kutupalong Rohingya Camp-7 in Rajapalong union claimed the life of seven-year-old Ekram, son of Mohammad Rashid. At around 3:30 am, another hill collapsed at Balukhali Rohingya Camp-11, killing four members of a family. The deceased were Umme Habiba (27), Tanzina Akter (13), Mohammad Rihan (5), and Harunur Rashid (3). One more person was injured in the incident.
Local Resident Killed in Cox's Bazar Town
In a separate incident around 3:00 am, Ali Akbar was killed after a hill collapsed on a house in the Chattarghona area of Cox's Bazar town. According to police, three members of the family were rescued from the debris, but Ali Akbar died after being taken to Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital.
Official Response and Warnings
Ukhiya Fire Service and Civil Defence official Dollar Tripura confirmed the deaths of eight Rohingyas in the three separate incidents, saying rescue operations continued throughout the night and the injured were taken to hospital for treatment. Ukhiya Upazila Nirbahi Officer Panna Akter said continuous heavy rainfall had significantly increased the risk of landslides. She said the administration has been making regular public announcements urging people living in vulnerable areas to move to safer places and called on residents to follow official warnings to prevent further casualties.
Significance and Implications
The tragic events underscore the vulnerability of Rohingya refugees and local residents in Cox's Bazar to natural disasters, particularly during the monsoon season. The landslides highlight the urgent need for improved infrastructure, early warning systems, and disaster preparedness in the region. The local administration's efforts to evacuate vulnerable populations and provide timely warnings are crucial in mitigating future risks. The international community must also continue to support efforts to enhance the resilience of affected communities.
