Landslide kills 137 people in Bangladesh

Heavy rains triggered landslides in southeastern Bangladesh that have killed at least 137 people, burying many homes while people were still sleeping.

Rescuers search for missing people. Photo: AFP

AFP reported on June 14 that rescue teams were quickly present in the disaster-hit areas of Rangamati, Bandarban and the neighboring city of Chittagong.

At least 18 people have been pulled from the rubble so far, but hopes of finding more survivors are fading as heavy rains hamper rescue efforts. The number of injured has also risen to about 200.

The death toll is expected to rise as about 20 people are still missing, AFP reported, citing an official in the Rangamati region.

Bangladesh police have ordered the evacuation of 4,500 people living in slums in the city of Chittagong due to fears that another landslide could strike at any time.

Authorities have also set up 18 shelters in nearby areas where people can stay.

Many houses in Khagrachari town were submerged in water following heavy rains that caused landslides. Photo: Reuters

The heavy rains came two weeks after Cyclone Mora swept through southeastern Bangladesh, killing at least eight people and destroying tens of thousands of homes.

According to TNO