5 children killed in Cox’s Bazar landslides

Cox's Bazar map

Four of the victims are from the same family

Five children have been killed in separate landslides caused by torrential rain in Cox’s Bazar.

The mishaps occurred in the Banchamia Ghona area of Rumaliarchhara, and the Panerchhara area of Ramu upazila, in the early hours of Wednesday.

The deceased are: Abdul Hi, 8; Khairunnesa, 6; Kafia, 10; and Marzia Akter, 15 – from the same Banchamia Ghona area family – and Morshed Alam, 6, from the Panerchhara area.

The parents of these children were also injured in the incident, and are being treated at Cox’s Bazar’s Sadar Hospital.

Confirming the matter, Cox’s Bazar Additional Superintendent of Police Md Afrazul Haque Tutul told the Dhaka Tribune: “The landslides were caused by torrential rain throughout last night [Tuesday night]. Five children were killed in the Banchamia Ghona and Rumaliarchhara areas.

“The bodies have been sent to the Cox’s Bazar Sadar morgue. Necessary measures are being taken as per the directions of the deputy commissioner.”

Meanwhile, Cox’s Bazar district Acting Deputy Commissioner Kazi Abdur Rahman said: “We are deeply saddened by the deaths caused by the landslides. We will visit the affected areas. Tk20,000 will be provided to the families of the deceased.”

Speaking to the Dhaka Tribune, local met office Assistant Meteorologist Abdur Rahman revealed that the district has experienced heavy rainfall for the last two days.

“We recorded 228mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, and the downpour will continue. There are risks of flash floods and more landslides in the region,” he added.

Source: Dhaka Tribune.