Rangamati hanging bridge submerged as Kaptai Lake rises

Heavy rainfall has caused the Kaptai Lake in Rangamati, Bangladesh, to rise, submerging the popular hanging bridge. The bridge deck went under approximately four inches of water on Saturday afternoon, prompting officials at the Rangamati Parjatan Holiday Complex to halt visitor access and ticket sales. The manager stated the bridge will reopen after the water recedes and repairs are completed.

Meanwhile, the rising waters of the Kachalong river have flooded low-lying areas in Baghaichhari upazila. Parts of Baghaichhari municipality and several unions, including Khedarmara, Amtali, and Sajek, are affected. Officials are still assessing the number of villages and people impacted by the inundation.

With 67mm of rainfall recorded in Rangamati over Thursday and Friday, the district weather observation centre anticipates continued rain for several more days. To manage the pressure on the Kaptai Lake, authorities are considering opening all 16 spillway gates of the Kaptai Dam tonight. The lake's water level is currently at 32.20 meters, close to its maximum capacity of 33.22 meters. The initial opening of the gates may release around 9,000 cusecs of water, with the schedule subject to adjustment based on rainfall and inflow.

“

the bridge would be repaired and reopened once the water recedes.