As torrential rains sparked a series of devastating landslides in Chittagong, Muslim Aid has responded with vital assistance to help displaced survivors.

At least 130 people were killed and hundreds more injured and missing in the landslides, which plunged the country's second city into chaos. Residents sought safety on their roofs as power lines snapped and the port and airport were closed.

"The situation is quite desperate," said Amjad Mohammed Saleem, country director of Muslim Aid Bangladesh. We are giving relief and once our assessment team returns, we will be providing further assistance."

The heaviest rainfall in 25 years saturated the hillsides in and around the city giving residents no chance to escape when a tide of mud and water swept down on their homes in the early hours of Monday morning, burying whole families as they slept. The powerful current simply washed others away.

More than 24 hours later, large parts of the city remained submerged in water, mud and debris. Muslim Aid has made an initial allocation of £25,000 for emergency relief.

Muslim Aid Bangladesh and their partners from Islamic Relief have distributed rice flakes, molasses, matches, candles and biscuits to 500 families to date.

(ENDS)