Bandarban closes tourist sites as heavy rains trigger flood risks
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Authorities in the Bandarban hill district have suspended all tourism activities, including access to waterfalls, hiking trails, and river routes, effective Tuesday through Friday. The decision, announced by District Administrator Saniul Ferdous, follows two consecutive days of torrential rainfall that have raised concerns regarding public safety and the stability of transport infrastructure in the region.
The emergency directive prohibits travel for tourists, tour operators, and the general public across all remote and potentially hazardous areas. Officials have urged strict compliance with the order, citing the need to mitigate risks posed by the ongoing adverse weather conditions.
The heavy downpours have already impacted daily life in the region, with local reports confirming that flash floods have submerged low-lying areas in the Thanchi and Alikadam sub-districts. In Thanchi’s Tindu area, a boat capsized late Monday due to strong currents, though authorities confirmed there were no casualties. In Alikadam, flooding has reportedly caused damage to crops and residential properties.
The Meteorological Department has issued a severe weather warning as a monsoon depression over the northwest Bay of Bengal continues to influence conditions across the country. Meteorologist Omar Faruq cautioned that heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected to persist for 72 hours across several divisions, including Chattogram, Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, and Sylhet. Experts have specifically warned of an increased risk of landslides in the hilly regions of the Chattogram division as the saturation levels of the soil continue to rise.
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