Incessant rain has triggered landslide fears in the hilly areas of Chittagong division. The port city of Chittagong and most parts of the district have experienced heavy rains over the past couple of days, causing panic among residents living near nine risky hills.
Meteorological Warnings
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has warned that landslides may occur in the hilly regions of Chittagong due to the heavy rainfall. The Pathenga Meteorological office recorded 39.4 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours. The Met office forecasts further moderate to heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours for Chittagong and other parts of the country.
Evacuation Measures
The administration has been urging people to move to shelter centers or safer places since Saturday. Deputy Commissioner Jahidul Islam Mia emphasized that residents of risky hilly areas must relocate to shelter centers or relatives' houses. He stated, 'If necessary, magistrates will conduct evacuation drives and we must prevent deaths by landslides at any cost.'
Impact on Daily Life
The heavy rains have caused serious disruptions in normal public life and business activities. The Chittagong port has been asked to hoist local cautionary signal number 3 due to the forecast of cloudy weather.
Why This Matters
Landslides pose a significant threat to lives and property in Chittagong, a city with many hilly areas. The continuous heavy rainfall exacerbates this risk, making it crucial for authorities to take preventive measures and for residents to heed evacuation warnings to ensure safety.
