Communications Collapse in Bandarban Amid Torrential Rain, Hampering Relief

Days of relentless rain and landslides have severed communication links across Bandarban, leaving emergency teams and residents in a mounting crisis. For nearly 48 hours, several upazilas—including Rowangchhari, Ruma, Thanchi, and Alikadam—have faced near-total power and mobile network outages.

While some providers like Grameenphone remain active in areas with electricity, TeleTalk and Robi services have been severely unstable or entirely unavailable. The disruption has forced local officials in remote areas to climb hills in search of a mobile signal to report local conditions.

Relief Operations Hit The communication collapse has hit emergency responses hard. Thanchi officials reported that relief operations for approximately 80 families in Bolipara are being conducted in person because digital coordination is impossible. Furthermore, landslides have blocked major roads, forcing authorities to transport relief supplies via river routes.

Infrastructure Challenges Technical teams are struggling to restore services. TeleTalk officials attributed the blackout to power failures at the Chimbuk transmission tower. Meanwhile, the Power Development Board noted that submerged power lines and landslide-blocked roads are preventing crews from reaching and repairing damaged infrastructure. Road connectivity remains suspended between the district town and four major upazilas.