Floodwaters recede in Bandarban, but mud-filled homes prolong suffering
Long-distance bus services between Bandarban, Dhaka, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar gradually resume.
The flood situation in Bandarban town has improved as water levels have receded from most areas after two days without heavy rainfall. However, residents are now facing a fresh challenge cleaning mud-filled homes and damaged belongings left behind by the floodwaters.
Many residents have started cleaning their houses, shops and businesses as they try to return to normal life. Although some low-lying areas remain waterlogged, most parts of the town have become accessible.
During a visit to different areas of the town today, it was seen that residents of Army Para, Member Para, Kashem Para, Islampur, Hafezghona, Kachinghata and Balaghata were busy removing mud and waste from their homes and shops.
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Road communication inside the town has largely resumed, with vehicles moving on most roads. However, some areas still have minor waterlogging.
Rahima Begum, a resident of Army Para, said water started receding around 3am and there was little water left in the area.
"But there is a lot of mud inside the house. I have been cleaning since morning, and it will take the whole day to finish," she said.
Kalom Howlader, a shopkeeper in Kashem Para, said he had remained stranded for five days due to the flooding.
"I took shelter on the fourth floor of a nearby building. As the water rose suddenly, I could not remove anything from my shop. I have been cleaning throughout the night after the water went down. It will take another two to three days for things to return to normal," he said.
Meanwhile, long-distance bus services between Bandarban and Dhaka-Chattogram-Cox's Bazar are gradually returning to normal. Several buses left for Chattogram after 2pm today.
However, direct road connectivity between Bandarban town and Ruma, Rowangchhari and Thanchi remains suspended due to landslides triggered by the heavy rains. Locals are using motorcycles and jeep vehicles to travel through affected areas.
Dominic Tripura, principal of Thanchi College, said he travelled to Bandarban town by motorcycle for urgent work and found landslides at Dinte Para and Naindari Para areas. He said removing the debris from these two points could allow bus movement to resume.
Bus Owners Association General Secretary Nurul Islam Milon said the Bangladesh Army was working to clear landslide debris on the Ruma road, but continued rainfall was slowing progress.
Bandarban Municipality Administrator SM Manjurul Haque said the situation had improved, but many people were still staying at shelters.
He added that the administration would prepare ward-based lists of affected families and continue providing meals to those unable to cook while cleaning their homes.
