Eight people died in landslide at Rohigya Camp in BD

Eight people had been died in a landslide which struck on a madrasa (Islamic Institute) at a sub-block `A-3` of the Kutupalong Rohingya camp at Ukhiya in Cox`s Bazar on Wednesday (July 8) afternoon. Among the deceased victims, seven child pupils and one teacher of the institute.

Alongside, At least 30 others were injured in the incident, and there are fears that more people may still be trapped under the debris following continuous heavy rainfall that cause landslide.

Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) Md. Mizanur Rahman had confirmed the deceased number and said that there is a possibility that the casualty figures could rise as the rescue operation is ongoing.

According to media reports, a large part of the hill suddenly collapsed onto the adjacent madrasa amidst continuous rain that had been falling since morning. It is estimated that around 50 students were present at the madrasa on that time. Panic spreaded instantly as the building was buried under soil and debris.

Following the accident, local Rohingya volunteers and residents began rescue efforts with their bare hands. Later, two units of the Fire Service, the Armed Police Battalion (APBn), law enforcement agencies, and members of various humanitarian organizations arrived at the scene to conduct a joint rescue operation.

The Fire Service stated that the injured had been rescued and admitted to the Ukhiya Upazila Health Complex, Cox`s Bazar Sadar Hospital, and other nearby medical centers. There are concerns that the death toll could rise, as the condition of some of the injured were critical.

Mujibur Rahman, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Ukhiya Police Station, said that more people might still be trapped under the rubble; therefore, the rescue operation is being conducted with the utmost priority. Efforts to identify the deceased are also underway.

Ukhiya Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Panna Akter stated that the administration is continuing to operate various measures—including public announcements via loudspeakers, to relocate residents from high-risk areas of the camp to safer locations as the increased risk of landslides due to continuous rain.

Cox`s Bazar Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md. A. Mannan said that all possible assistance were being provided for the rescue operations. Meanwhile, residents living in the hilly areas of Ukhiya and Teknaf had been urged to remain on high alert and move to safe shelters if necessary.

Mohammad Abdur Rouf, the official in charge of Kutupalong Camp-5, stated that full details regarding the damage and casualties would be provided once the rescue operation concludes.