Another Landslide in Rohingya Camp Kills Five, Many Feared Under Debris
Rescue operations are underway to save those trapped under the debris. Photo: Agamir Somoy
At least five female students were killed after a landslide struck a madrasah in a Rohingya camp in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar. Many others are feared to remain trapped under the debris. Local residents, volunteers and rescue teams are jointly carrying out rescue operations.
The incident occurred around 2 pm Wednesday in Block A-3 of Camp-5. Amid continuous heavy rain, a large section of a hill suddenly collapsed onto a nearby madrasah and hifz center.
Camp resident Md. Mostafa said that more than 30 to 50 female students were receiving Quran lessons at the madrasah when the accident occurred. Several sources also claimed that 80 to 100 children were present there. However, the exact number of those trapped has yet to be confirmed.
According to eyewitnesses, several students managed to run out when the landslide began. However, most of them were buried under mud and debris. Preliminary information suggests that at least 10 people were able to escape safely.
After the incident, local residents began rescue efforts by removing soil with their hands. Members of the Fire Service later arrived at the scene and intensified the rescue operation.
Abdullah, a Rohingya national participating in the rescue operation, claimed that many students may still be trapped under the debris.
However, as of the filing of this report, no official information had been released by the administration, the Office of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), or any relevant agency.
Earlier, eight Rohingyas were killed in three separate landslides in Rohingya camps 7, 11 and 15 in Ukhiya late Sunday night.
The deadliest incident occurred in Block D/6 of the Jamtoli Rohingya Camp-15. Around 1:30 am, a massive section of a hill collapsed onto the home of Mohammad Kamal Hossain. Kamal Hossain (44), his wife Humayra Begum (39), and their 4-year-old son Mohammad Anas were killed.
Ten family members were inside the house at the time of the accident. An injured teenage girl was admitted to a hospital.
At around 2 am, another landslide in Block D/7 of Kutupalong Rohingya Camp-7 killed Ekram (7), the son of Mohammad Rashid.
Then, at around 3:30 am, a landslide in Block C/11 of Balukhali Rohingya Camp-11 killed four members of the same family. The deceased were Umme Habiba (27), her sister Tanzina Akter (13), Mohammad Rihan (5), and Harunur Rashid (3). Another person was injured in the incident.
A few hours later, in the early hours of Monday, Ali Akbar was killed in a landslide in the Chattarghona area of Ward No. 12 of Cox’s Bazar municipality. Two other members of the same family were injured.
Later that afternoon, 7-year-old Minhaj died after being buried under debris inside his home in a landslide in the Almer Jhiri area of Ward No. 3 of Toitong Union in Pekua upazila.
