Over 100 Stranded Tourists Return Safely to Thanchi
Tourists Return Safely. Picture: Agamir Somoy
More than 100 tourists stranded in several tourist destinations in Bandarban’s Thanchi Upazila after three consecutive days of heavy rainfall have safely returned to the upazila headquarters, local authorities said Tuesday.
Officials also said 18 emergency shelters have been prepared across Thanchi to respond to any potential disaster. Residents living in landslide-prone areas have been urged to move to safer locations immediately.
Considering the safety of both tourists and local residents, the Bandarban district administration has closed all tourist destinations across the district’s seven upazilas through July 10. According to an official notice, entry to waterfalls, mountain trails, rivers, remote areas and other high-risk locations is prohibited for tourists, tour operators and the general public during this period.
According to the Bandarban Weather Office, the district recorded 128 millimeters (5 inches) of rainfall in the 24 hours ending at 4 pm Tuesday. Forecasters said rain is expected to continue over the next several days.
Although landslides triggered by persistent rainfall blocked sections of the Bandarban-Thanchi road, the Bangladesh Army and Fire Service quickly cleared debris and restored traffic. The Army’s 17 Engineering Construction Battalion (ECB) continues to work to keep the Thanchi-Nilgiri road operational. However, river transport between Thanchi and the Tindu and Remakri unions remains suspended.
Rising water levels and strong currents in the Sangu and Matamuhuri rivers stranded tourists in several popular destinations, including Tindu, Remakri, Nafakhum and Amiakhum. Authorities later evacuated them safely to Thanchi headquarters. Engine-powered tourist boats remain prohibited from operating because of the hazardous river conditions.
Thanchi Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mohammad Abdullah Al Faisal said local resort owners began providing stranded tourists with free food and accommodation Tuesday morning. A total of 74 tourists, along with their guides, had been staying at resorts in Remakri Bazaar. They were transported safely to Thanchi after river conditions improved.
He added that 18 tourists stranded in the Amiakhum area were escorted on foot to safety with the help of local guides. Another 10 tourists stranded at Saingong Waterfall also reached Thanchi headquarters safely.
Local representatives said all river transport between Thanchi headquarters and the Tindu and Remakri unions remains suspended because of rising water levels and powerful currents in the Sangu River.
Bandarban Deputy Commissioner Saniul Ferdous urged people to avoid traveling to tourist destinations in Thanchi until conditions improve, citing strong river currents, landslide risks and ongoing adverse weather.
He said tourist attractions will reopen once conditions are deemed safe. Families living in landslide-prone areas have also been advised to relocate to designated shelters, while the upazila administration and the local disaster management committee continue to monitor the situation around the clock.
