Bangladesh relocates refugees after landslide kills at least 5 children

DHAKA, Bangladesh — Authorities in Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh have been taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of residents following recent landslides that claimed the lives of at least 13 refugees.

Tragedy struck on Wednesday when a landslide triggered by monsoon rains struck an Islamic school in Cox’s Bazar, resulting in the deaths of five children. The camp, home to over 1 million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, was the site of the devastating incident.

A teacher at the school recounted the chaos that unfolded during the landslide, noting that some students were trapped under the debris. “Some suffered injuries, while others tragically lost their lives,” she shared.

Local volunteers and community leaders sprang into action to conduct rescue operations before official emergency services arrived at the scene. Efforts were made to transport the injured to hospitals and recover the bodies of those who perished in the landslide.

With forecasts predicting more rain in the region, authorities in Cox’s Bazar have been relocating refugees from high-risk areas, with over 1,000 individuals already evacuated. Despite the warnings issued, many refugees are hesitant to leave their makeshift shelters.

The situation is further compounded by the stalled repatriation process for Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, a plea that Bangladesh has long been making to the international community.