Authorities urge evacuation in Kaptai as landslide risk rises
KAPTAI CORRESPONDENT
Authorities in Kaptai upazila of Rangamati are urging residents living in landslide-prone areas to move to shelters amid continuous heavy rainfall and reports of soil erosion. Several locations have already experienced landslides, though no casualties have been reported so far.
On Sunday morning around 9:00am, a portion of a hill collapsed at “KPM Tila Cargo Niche,” near Natunbazar in Kaptai Union, damaging the houses of Md Dana Mia and his son Monir Hossain.
Landslide activity has also begun along the Murali Para stretch of the Baroichhari–Ghagra road. Soil erosion has been reported near the Kaptai–Baroichhari road as well. Officials warn that if heavy rainfall continues, the risk of further landslides and property damage could increase significantly.
Although local shelters have been prepared, many residents in high-risk hill areas are reluctant to evacuate. The local administration has issued repeated loudspeaker announcements requesting people to move to safer locations, but most have chosen to stay in their homes, raising concerns about potential accidents.
Areas considered to be at highest risk include Dhakaiya Colony, Luggage Gate, Shilchhari, and Batghona. Local representatives say they have been unable to convince residents to relocate. Many locals have said they will only go to shelters if the rainfall intensifies further.
Kaptai Union Parishad Chairman (Ward 4), Engineer Abdul Latif, said, “Despite repeated announcements and personal requests, we have not been able to move the at-risk residents to safety. Landslides have already been reported in several areas. If the rain continues, the risk will increase further.”
Kaptai Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Ruhul Amin has visited several of the vulnerable locations. “The shelters are ready,” he said. “We are making public announcements to ensure those living in risky areas move to safety.”
