8 Dead as Landslides Hit Rohingya Camps in Cox’s Bazar
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
Tragic landslides struck three Rohingya refugee camps in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, on Monday, killing at least eight people, including women and children.
Fire Service and Civil Defense official Dolar Tripura confirmed the matter. Heavy monsoon rains triggered the disasters in camps 7, 11, and 15, burying several shelters under tons of mud while families slept.
Fire Service, APBN, camp officials, and volunteers worked through the night to conduct rescue operations.
First landslide hit the home of Kamal Hossain in Block D/6 of Jamtali Camp 15 at around 1:30 am. Rescuers recovered the bodies of Kamal 44, his wife Humayra Begum, 39, and their son Mohammad Anas, 4.
While ten family members were inside at the time, some survived with serious injuries, and one teenage girl remains hospitalized.
At 2 am, second landslide occurred in Block D/7 of Kutupalong Camp 7, killing Ekram, 7, son of Mohammad Rashid. Camp leader Enayet Ullah reported that Rohingya volunteers recovered the child’s body after the landslid.
Tragedy also struck Balukhali Camp 11 at 3:30 am in Block C/11, where four members of one family died: Umme Habiba, 27, her sister Tanjina Akter, 13, Mohammad Rihan, 5, and Harunur Rashid, 3.
Dolar said, “All the incidents happened around the same time. Rescue operations were carried out all night. The bodies of the deceased have been recovered and medical care has been arranged for the injured.”
Refugee Jafar Alam added that landslides are their greatest fear during the monsoon, as shelters built on steep slopes become extremely vulnerable.
Ukhiya Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Panna Akter said, “The risk of landslides has increased significantly due to heavy rainfall. The administration is regularly using loudspeakers to urge everyone to move to safe places. It is essential to follow the administration’s instructions to save lives.”
Assistant Meteorologist Md Abdul Hannan reported over 100mm of rain in 24 hours, warning that heavy rainfall will continue for two more days. Local authorities are now intensifying evacuations to prevent casualties.
