AMN / DHAKA
Rescuers launched afresh a salvage campaign today as landslide toll reached 136 amid reports many were still missing under tonnes of debris in southeastern hills.
The death toll in landslides in southeastern hilly districts of the country has risen to 137. Rangamati, Chittagong and Bandarban are the worst-affected districts.
Nearly three days of torrential rains due to a depression in the Bay of Bengal had triggered a series of landslides in these districts. Officials said, the death toll will rise further as many are still missing under tonnes of debris in southeastern hills. Road and mobile communications have been disrupted, with black-outs reported at many places.
Improved weather is helping rescue operations, but the Met Dept has forecast further heavy rains in some parts of Chittagong Division triggering risks of further landslides.
Meanwhile district administration has evacuated around 1000 people to shelters and secured places. But despite warning, many continue to live at the base of hills risking their lives.
Relief in the form of food grains and money has been rushed to the affected families.This is the worst landslide since 2007 and experts say a master plan to identify risks of landslides including cutting of hills and deforestration is urgently needed.
PHOTO -BSS