Heavy rainfall across the country under the influence of the monsoon caused sufferings to people throughout the day yesterday. Chattogram division was among the worst sufferers as two including a child were killed in landslide triggered by rainfall at Kaptai upazila in Rangamati. Several others were injured in the incident.

Threats of landslides were still hovering on the districts in Chattogram as the Met Office forecast moderate to heavy rains there and elsewhere across country for three to four more days. Such prediction was set for several other districts across the country as well.

In the capital, life was sent in disarray due to incessant rains throughout the day. Most of the roads in the capital went under water causing suffering s to the Dhakaites.  

In Rangamati, Tahmina Akhter, 30 and Surya Mallik, 3, were killed in the landslide.

“The incident took place when chunks of mud collapsed on tin-shed houses in KPM area of Kaptai upazila around 1:30pm,” said Asharaf Ahmed Russel, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of the upazila.

Md Rahul Kuddus, a meteorologist of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), told The Independent that due to the active monsoon, the ongoing weather condition is likely to continue for three to four  more days. During this time, moderate to heavy rain may occur at some places, he added.

In Chattogram city, rain submerged most of the low-lying areas of under knee-deep to waist-deep waters yesterday, leaving normal life in disarray.

Patenga Met Office recorded 187.2 millimetre rain fall from Sunday 3pm to 3pm yesterday, said met officer Modhul Alam.

Water entered into low-lying residential houses, educational institutes and business firms leaving hundreds of people marooned in the city. Commuters, especially office goers and students, were the victims of the rain due to lack of public transports and the situation was compounded by traffic gridlocks on main thoroughfares amid the incessant rain since early morning.

Streets went under water at Bahaddarhat, Muradpur, Gate No.2, GEC circle, WASA Circle, Lalkhan Bazar, Agrabad, Halishahar, Patenga, Bakalia, and Chawkbazar areas.

Water-logging in different areas of the port city was compounded by flash floods  when

tidal waters entered into many low-lying areas including Halishahar, Agrabad, Kattali, Bandartila, Goshaildanga, Saltgola Crossing, Chaktai, Khatunganj, Patanga and Bandar.

To avert deaths in possible landslides, the Chattogram district administration has already relocated 350 families from hill slopes to temporary shelters.

The authorities took to cautioning with loudspeakers urging people living on hill slopes to move to safer places.

The authorities opened eight temporary shelters at Phartali Girls’ High School, Firoz Shah E-block School at Foy’s Lake, Chattogram Model High School at Polytechnic area, Jalalbad Bazar Shed, Al Heara Islamia Madrasah at Tankir Pahar area, Rofabad Adrasha High School, Lalkhan Bazar Govt. Primary School, and Syedabad School at Poda Colony area.

“Over 300 families have been evacuated from Jalalbad hill, Motijarna Tankir Phara hill and Modhu Shah hill in the city since Sunday fearing landslides amid rains,” said Delwar Hossain, member secretary of hill management committee and Chattogram additional deputy commissioner.

The district administration has identified 17 hills where 835 low-income families are living at risk.

Landslides triggered by heavy rains in and around Chattogram city also claimed over 250 lives between 1999 and 2014. A catastrophic landslide in 2007 alone claimed 127 lives in the district.

In the capital, residents faced immense sufferings due to incessant rains that sent many low-lying areas under water.

Students, officer-goers and pedestrians faced troubles as the number of public transport was scanty on streets. However, lower number of vehciels did not allow people any relief from tailbacks. Traffic was sent to disarray in several intersections as vehicles were seen stuck bumper to bumper.

Maritime ports in Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra were advised to hoist the local cautionary signal No. 3.

“Under the influence of the ongoing monsoon, squally weather is likely to affect the maritime ports, North Bay and the adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh,” said BMD meteorologist Kuddus.

Loading and unloading of containers at most of the ports were also disrupted due to rain yesterday.

Fishing boats and trawlers in the North Bay were advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.

Meanwhile, 30 fishermen still remain unaccounted for since three trawlers with 43 fishermen on board capsized in the Bay of Bengal on Saturday after being caught in a storm. Thirteen of the fishermen have made to the shore so far.  Officer-in-Charge of Char Fasson Police Station Shamsul Arefin said police and the coast guard are trying to rescue the missing fishermen.

The Met office in its bulletin yesterday (Monday) said that light to moderate rain/thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at most places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions and at many places over Khulna division with moderately heavy to very heavy falls at places over the country.

Met office said heavy to very heavy rainfall has been forecast for parts of Chattogram and Barishal divisions till Tuesday evening. They said the rainfall is likely to occur due to active monsoon over Bangladesh. The Patenga Met office has been asked to hoist local cautionary signal number 3.

They also warned torrential rain could trigger landslides in the hilly region of Chattogram.