Landslide leaves 11 dead, scores injured in Ctg

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CHITTAGONG, Aug 18 (UNB): A violent landslide triggered by torrential rains Monday left at least 11 people dead and scores injured in the city's Motijharna Hossain Colony area near Lalkhan Bazar.

According to the latest reports, rescuers recovered the bodies of four women, four children and two men from under a huge chunk of mud that buried their thatched homes at the foot of hills while they were asleep early Monday. Another one died on his way to a hospital.

Khulshi Police Station chief Faruq said the incident took place at around 4:55am.

The rescue operation undertaken jointly by the Fire Brigade and Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) declared end of the operation at 4-30pm.

The victims were identified as Saru Mia (54), Anwara Begum (45), Zohura Akter (37), her son Zahirul (10) and her daughter Sumaiya (8), Khairul (10) Amirul (12), Taju Mia (25), Bilqis Begum (17), Shahzadi (6) and Fatema Begum (25).

Of them, Taju Mia was declared dead when he was rushed to the hospital.

Deputy Commissioner Ashraf Shamim and Acting Mayor Monjurul Alam visited the spot.

Local administration launched a drive to evict the houses illegally built at the foot of hills after 128 people were killed in another landslide here on June 11, 2007.

When asked for comment about the drive, Mr Manjurul Alam said that the people started setting up their makeshift houses again following the last year's eviction drive.

"But the drive will start again in the city from tomorrow," he added.