Photo : TDM
Continuous heavy rainfall over the past four days has caused flooding in the lower areas of Lama upazila in Bandarban until Sunday morning. The persistent rains have also triggered small landslides in various locations within the Lama Municipality, although there have been no reports of casualties or major damages. However, the situation remains challenging as communication has been severely impacted due to water submerging the road at five locations on the mountain slope.
Several hundreds of families are now waterlogged in areas such as Nayapara, T&T Para, Chairman Para, Pahar Para, the residential area of Upazila Parishad, and the bus stand area of Lama Paur city. Furthermore, the Lama-Alikadam road areas including Linejhiri, Chagalkhaiya, Shilertua, Kerarjhiri, and Dardarajhiri have been completely submerged.
The excessive rainfall has caused water levels in all the canals of Lama, including the Matamuhuri River, to rise above the danger level. Lama Upazila Executive Officer, Md. Mostafa Javed Kaiser, has taken proactive measures by opening a control room to coordinate disaster response efforts. Lama Hospital, Fire Service, Youth Red Crescent, and Lama Police Station are on high alert and ready to respond to emergencies. Residents in vulnerable areas at the foot of the hill have been advised to evacuate to shelters for their safety.
In preparation for the floods, 55 primary schools, secondary schools, and madrasas in 1 municipality and 7 unions have been designated as shelters in Lama upazila. Authorities are ensuring that food and necessary supplies are provided to the people seeking refuge in these shelters. So far, there have been reports of two minor landslides in the affected areas.
Additional reports of landslides have been received from Chairman Para and Naya Para, Bara Muslimpara, and Sarai Andhari areas of Faitong Union in Lama Paur city. The rainfall continues intermittently, ranging from light to heavy, since Sunday morning, exacerbating the flood situation.
Local authorities, including Mohammad Hossain Badsha, the 2nd Ward Councilor of Lama Municipality, are closely monitoring the situation. They are quick to respond and provide assistance wherever needed. Despite the challenging conditions, the big market and grocery traders of Lama Bazaar are making efforts to safely move the goods from the shops.
As the situation remains critical, all concerned authorities and residents are urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with disaster response efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected communities.
TDM/SD
