Heavy Rain and Flash Floods Collapse Bridge on Rangamati-Bandarban Road, Direct Road Link Severed

PNN News Desk, Chattogram

A bridge on the Rangamati-Bandarban road in Dudhpukuria area of Rangunia upazila in Chattogram collapsed due to continuous rainfall and strong currents from mountain floods. The incident has completely disrupted direct road communication between Rangamati and Bandarban.

Hundreds of vehicles have become stranded on both sides of the damaged bridge, leaving thousands of passengers suffering from severe difficulties.

Local sources said the bridge collapsed sometime during Friday night at Dudhpukuria area under Padua Union. Before the collapse, heavy rainfall throughout the night caused damage to the embankment of a nearby rubber dam. Later, strong water pressure caused a section of the bridge to collapse.

Following the incident, all types of vehicle movement on the Rangamati-Bandarban road have been suspended. Commuters, students, patients and emergency travelers have been facing extreme hardship. Many passengers were seen waiting for long hours on both sides of the damaged road.

Although the bridge is located within Rangunia upazila, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Bandarban Roads and Highways Department. Executive Engineer Mohammad Sakhawat Hossain said engineering teams could not reach the site immediately because water was still covering roads and bridges in Balaghata and Swarnamandir areas.

He said that once the water level decreases, authorities will inspect the damage and take steps to install a temporary Bailey bridge to restore traffic movement.

However, the Roads and Highways Department could not provide a specific timeline for fully restoring permanent communication.

Meanwhile, continuous rainfall has caused waterlogging, landslides and road damage in several areas of the hill districts. Authorities have advised people to avoid traveling on risky roads unless absolutely necessary. Local administrations are monitoring the situation and preparing necessary measures for affected areas.