Two landslides struck the Dariyanagar section of the Cox's Bazar-Teknaf Marine Drive on Wednesday following continuous heavy rainfall. An autorickshaw was crushed beneath collapsing mud and uprooted trees from an 80-foot hill leaving at least six passengers, including tourists severely injured.
The incidents occurred around 10:30 am and 12:00 pm. Locals quickly rescued the victims, sending three to the emergency department of Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital.
The landslides temporarily blocked the 84-kilometer scenic route trapping over a hundred vehicles and causing severe traffic congestion. The Bangladesh Army promptly launched a rescue operation using excavators to clear the debris. Traffic resumed after roughly two and a half hours.
Cox's Bazar Sadar Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sheikh Mohammad Ali confirmed the incident and the military's swift clearance of the road. He noted that the local administration has advised tourists and residents to exercise extreme caution when traveling this route.
The local Meteorological Department recorded 130 millimeters of rain over the past 24 hours. With more rain forecast for the coming days authorities warn that the risk of further landslides in the hilly region remains high.
