The heaviest rainfall in a quarter of a century saturated the hillsides in and around the city of Chittagong Bangladesh, giving residents no chance of escape when a tide of mud and water swept through their homes in the early hours of June 11. Whole families were buried under mud and debris while they slept, as the powerful current simply washed others away.

World Vision Bangladesh staff based in the region immediately visited the affected areas, engaging 20 volunteers in a rescue program, identifying loss and damage and surveying the situation of a number of the families affected in Dampara. All ADP staff including the Disaster Management Officers (DMO), were engaged in providing immediate support to families affected by the landslides.

Reports indicate that at least 84 people were killed and hundreds more injured and missing as torrential rains sparked a series of devastating landslides in the port city of Chittagong, plunging the country's second city into chaos. With power supplies snapped, the port and airport closed and residents sought safety on rooftops.

World Vision Bangladesh funded Chittagong ADP (Area Development Program) confirmed that all children in the community were safe and there are no reports of any deaths or families affected by the landslides in this particular area. Sadly however five children and two women of five families in the working area of World Vision's Hong Kong funded Chittagong ADP, were reported to be killed in the disaster. This included an Area Development Community Group member and seven others were also said to be seriously injured. A total of 11 houses were fully damaged and 15 families affected.

Police, army, firefighters and volunteers struggled all day to find survivors, but the heavy rainfall, flooding and lack of equipment hampered their efforts. People living near hills in and around the city were evacuated due to fears of further mudslides.

Chittagong district administration sources last night said the number of confirmed deaths had reached 84, but unofficial sources put the figure above 100. More than 60 injured people were admitted in the Cantonment Hospital with severe injuries, official sources said.

Chittagong ADP Manager Prodip Costa said, "Government officials are holding meetings to decide on the immediate course of action and needs in the affected areas. If the regional government allows local NGOs including World Vision's Chittagong ADP will take the lead in providing a relief program in the area."

The economic disruption was extensive with the country's largest port closed and the city's industries brought to a standstill. Shop owners, businesses and householders could do little to protect their property and possessions from the torrent of muddy water. Kalurghat Radio Station was forced to suspend its broadcasts as its headquarters were submerged.

The government has since announced an amount of US$ 13,196 (Taka 9,00,000) and 200 metric tons of food grains to provide instant relief and support to the affected people, while the district administration has distributed dry food.

For more details, interviews or photographs please contact Raphael Palma, Partnership Communications Coordinator, WV Bangladesh, e-mail: raphael_palma@wvi.org Cell: 0171-3-011673.

Or Andrea Russell, Regional relief and crisis communications manager on cell: 0091 9989238223 or email andea_russell@wvi.org