5 killed in two landslides in Bandarban's Lama
The OC also said communication efforts have been hampered as there has been no Teletalk network coverage across Lama upazila since last night due to a power outage.
Five members of two families were killed in separate landslides in Aziznagar Union of Lama upazila in Bandarban early today (10 July).
The incidents occurred in the Mission Para area of Aziznagar Union at different times during the night and early morning, locals said.
The deceased were identified as Md Jewel, 28, and his wife Kulsuma Begum, 22.
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In the second incident, Md Yunus, 28, his wife Ranu Begum, 22, and their four-year-old son Solaiman were killed.
The victims were buried under mud when hillsides collapsed in two separate incidents, according to local police.
All the victims were residents of Mission Para in Ward No 2 of Aziznagar Union.
Aziznagar Union Parishad Panel Chairman Mobarak Hossain said the first landslide occurred at night, while the second took place at dawn.
"The two sites were far apart, so we did not bring firefighters from Lama. Instead, a Fire Service team from Chunati in Lohagara upazila of Chattogram recovered the bodies. The bodies have been kept after the initial inquest, and funeral prayers will be held this afternoon," he said.
"There were major landslides in 2009 and again in 2016, when many people were killed. However, this is the first such incident in Mission Para. The weather is still not favourable. It is still drizzling even now (10am)," he added.
Mobarak said residents living on the surrounding hills remain fearful following the two landslides.
"A landslide occurred between 2am and 2:30am in Aziznagar Union, leaving two members of a family dead," Lama Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Kaysar Hamid told The Business Standard.
The second landslide took place at around 4am, when three members of another family were buried under soil and killed, the OC added.
"The bodies have been recovered. Legal procedures are underway," he said.
The OC also said communication efforts have been hampered as there has been no Teletalk network coverage across Lama upazila since last night due to a power outage.
Attempts to contact Lama Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Moin Uddin on his mobile were unsuccessful.
