On 13 June, 2017, relentless rain in Rangamati caused hills to collapse, resulting in 120 deaths. In addition, more than 200 people were wounded and the entire district was adversely affected.
Around three thousand people took shelter at an emergency rescue centre. In 2018, 11 persons died in Rangamati due to heavy rain.
Despite the deaths, hazardous living on the foot of the hills continues. The district administration has identified 31 risky spots where 15000 people of 378 families are living.
District administration is trying to create awareness among the people to avoid deaths during the impending rainy season.
Many residents say that they have nowhere else to go and will take the risk and stay where they are.
Rangamati district administrator, AKM Mamunur Rashid, said: “We have taken a year-long preparation to avoid any deaths due to collapsing of hills. Work is underway to remove people from risky areas.”