60 'tourist resorts' temporarily closed in Bandarban’s Lama due to bad weather

Local authorities in Lama upazila of Bandarban have temporarily shut down around 60 resorts which are seemingly popular among tourists, according to the upazila administration.

The decision was made to avoid any risks of casualties amid adverse weather conditions, during a meeting of the "Lama Upazila Disaster Preparedness Committee" on Sunday (1 June).

Confirming the matter, Lama Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Moin Uddin said the continuous heavy rain raised concerns about potential natural disasters at the resorts situated on hilly slopes. 

"To prevent loss of life, all resorts in Lama's tourist spots, including Mirinja Valley, will remain closed until further notice. They will reopen once weather conditions improve," he said.

Sanatan Kumar Mondal, officer-in-charge of the Bandarban meteorological office, stated that heavy rainfall ranging from 44 to 88 millimeters has been recorded in the regions of Rangpur, Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Rajshahi, and Khulna in the last 24 hours.

Landslide risks are anticipated in Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Chattogram. 

As of 3pm on Sunday, Bandarban recorded 87 millimeters of rainfall in the past 24 hours, the officer added.

Arup Chakraborty, executive engineer of the Bandarban Water Development Board, reported that the water levels of the Sangu, Matamuhuri, and Bakkhali rivers have risen due to the heavy rains but have not yet crossed danger levels.

Bandarban Deputy Commissioner Shamim Ara Rini stated that 220 temporary shelters have been opened across the district's seven upazilas to manage the crisis. 

A "Disaster Emergency Services Committee" has been formed with coordination among the administration, fire service, police, health department, volunteer groups, and NGOs.

She also mentioned that announcements via loudspeakers are being made to urge residents in landslide-prone areas at the foot of hills to evacuate to safety.