300 tourists stranded in Sajek due to flood, landslide

Due to incessant rains for the past few days and landslides in Baghachhari Upazila of Rangamati, over 300 tourists have been marooned in Sajek.

Road connectivity to and from the tourist destination has been snapped owing to an onrush of water from upstream.

Earlier, authorities had suspended vehicular movement through Baghaihat and Machalong Bridge fearing landslides.

According to sources at the upazila administration, at least six unions under Baghaichhari have been inundated in floodwaters in the past six days. There have been incidents of landslides snapping road connectivity at several spots.

The administration has opened 46 shelter houses and relocated a number of families there.

Joten Tripura, owner of Kureghor resort in Sajek, said 20 to 25 vehicles which carried over 300 tourists are currently stuck in Sajek. These tourists are staying at different resorts.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rumana Akhter confirmed the matter, saying most of these tourists came to Sajek on Monday.

On the other hand, due to water from upstream, authorities have suspended ferry movement on the Raikhali river route in Kaptai. The decision came after the level of water increased in the Karnaphuli River, which damaged the platform of the ferry. As a result, vehicular movement on the Bangalhalia-Rajasthali-Bandarban route has been suspended.

Amid inclement weather for the past week, hoteliers in Kuakata complained of poor business as the number of visitors has dried out. Additionally, a number of tourists were seen leaving the city fearing more rains.