Continuous heavy rains and landslides have submerged low-lying parts of the road in Baghaihat area of Rangamati, cutting off road communication with the tourist town of Sajek.
Traffic on the Sajek-Khagrachari road in the tourist city remained completely closed on Tuesday (August 5), leaving hundreds of tourists stranded in Sajek.
However, as an alternative, some tourists are being transported by bamboo rafts and boats. Especially those who have come on a motorcycle trip are able to return to a limited extent. However, tourists who have brought private cars have to stay in Sajek for the time being until the water on the road recedes.
Sajek Union Parishad Chairman Atulal Chakma said that on Tuesday, there was about 5 to 6 feet of water on the road next to Machalong Bazaar. It has now receded. However, no type of vehicle movement is possible in this situation. In addition, today (Wednesday) the low-lying road next to Baghaihat Bazaar has again been submerged in water.
Baghaichhari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Shirin Akhtar told Dhaka Post that the road in the Machalong Bazar area was submerged yesterday. Today, the Baghaihat section has also been submerged again. However, the weather has been good since this morning, and if it does not rain, the situation may return to normal within a few hours.
He also said that efforts are being made to ensure the highest level of service in coordination with the Sajek Hotel and Motel Business Association so that stranded tourists do not face any inconvenience.