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A devastating landslide triggered by continuous heavy rainfall has reportedly buried a madrasa in the Kutupalong Rohingya refugee camp in Ukhia, Cox’s Bazar, killing at least 7 students, according to locals. It is feared that many more children might be trapped under the debris, and the death toll could rise further.
The incident occurred around 1:15 PM on Wednesday in block A-03 of Kutupalong’s Camp 5 in Ukhia Upazila.
Eyewitnesses and camp sources reported that days of incessant heavy rain had softened the hillside soil. Suddenly, a large section of the hill collapsed onto an adjacent madrasa where numerous students were attending classes. The sudden collapse buried the entire building, trapping the students inside.
Immediately after the accident, local Rohingya residents initiated rescue efforts. Upon receiving the news, two fire service rescue teams arrived at the scene and conducted rescue operations with the help of locals. Efforts to remove debris and recover casualties are still ongoing.
Around 2:45 PM, Rafiq, a Rohingya volunteer from the camp, stated that seven student bodies had been recovered so far. He added that many more children are believed to be buried under the rubble.
“So far, the bodies of seven children have been recovered. We fear many more students are trapped under the soil,” he said. “The Fire Service and local people are jointly conducting the rescue operation.”
Meanwhile, Panna Akhter, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Ukhia, initially confirmed the recovery of two children’s bodies.
“I have confirmed the recovery of two children’s bodies. Two fire service teams are conducting rescue operations at the site. We are also preparing to go to the spot. The rescue operation is still ongoing,” she stated.
However, local volunteers and camp residents claim that the death toll has already reached seven. Officials have stated that the actual number of casualties cannot be confirmed until the rescue operation concludes.
As per the latest reports, many more students are feared to be trapped under the debris. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.