7 emergency shelters opened in Ctg amid landslide risks fueled by heavy rains

Amid ongoing monsoon rains and looming landslide threats, local authorities in Chattogram have launched a precautionary evacuation of hillside residents. In the past 48 hours, the port city has seen intermittent heavy rainfall, prompting the opening of seven emergency shelters for those living in high-risk zones near hills in Akbarshah, Bayezid, and Khulshi areas.

Despite the warnings, many residents are hesitant to remain in shelters, choosing instead to return home during dry spells.

Authorities estimate that around 10,000 people live in highly vulnerable hillside settlements across Chattogram, many of them in makeshift homes built at the base of unstable slopes. In response to the increasing risk, the Chattogram district administration and Chattogram City Corporation have jointly activated seven shelters stocked with food and basic supplies.

Despite the potentially life-threatening danger, officials report that a significant number of residents are reluctant to stay in the shelters long term. 

"We are seeing people take refuge at night but return to their homes during the day when the rain eases," said Hussain Muhammad, assistant commissioner (Land) for the Kattoli Circle, who is overseeing evacuation efforts in the Akbarshah zone.

He added that around 200 to 300 people sought shelter on Monday night at two centers in the Akbarshah area, where food and basic necessities were provided. 

"Our priority is relocating those living within 30 feet of hill slopes, which we consider the most critical risk zone," he said.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department issued Local Warning Signal No 3 for all maritime ports, citing active southwest monsoon winds over the Bay of Bengal. 

In a special bulletin released Wednesday morning, it forecast further heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours in Chattogram's hill regions and warned of an increased risk of landslides.

According to Sadiur Rahman Jadid, additional deputy commissioner (Revenue) and member secretary of the Hill Management Committee, the city has been divided into five zones to streamline the evacuation and shelter operations. 

"Seven shelters are already active, and we have enough food stored to support displaced residents. Volunteers are working around the clock to move people from hazardous areas," he told The Business Standard.

While rain has been heavy, the city has not experienced widespread waterlogging this time, thanks to improved drainage in many areas. Only a few low-lying neighborhoods reported short-term water accumulation, which quickly subsided, according to city officials.

Nevertheless, landslide risk remains a critical concern. 

The Hill Management Committee had identified 6,558 homes across 26 hills in the city as vulnerable to landslides. Illegal hill-cutting, often tied to construction and development projects, has made these areas even more dangerous.

Chattogram has a tragic history of landslides, with over 300 deaths reported in the past 16 years. The most devastating incident occurred in 2007, when 127 people were killed in 11 separate landslides. 

Despite repeated disasters, encroachment on hillsides and unregulated development persist.

Earlier this year, in 2025, a landslide in the Korean EPZ area claimed two lives, the latest reminder of the deadly consequences of ignoring safety regulations and environmental degradation.

Authorities say they are committed to stricter enforcement against illegal settlements and hill-cutting, including imposing fines and jail terms. However, activists and residents argue that without permanent housing solutions and stronger urban planning, evacuations during monsoons will remain a temporary fix.

For now, the administration urges all residents in high-risk zones to take the warnings seriously and remain in the shelters until weather conditions improve. Volunteers continue to use loudspeakers in hillside neighbourhoods to raise awareness and guide people to safety.

"We're doing everything possible to avoid another tragedy," said ADC Sadiur Rahman. 

"But we need the cooperation of the community to protect lives."