By Xinhua
Dhaka : The death roll in the devastating landslides that hit Bangladesh's southeastern city of Chittagong Monday rose to 99, authorities said Tuesday and expressed fear it could go even higher.
Divisional Commissioner of Chittagong Moklesur Rahman said rescue operation of the missing people has been restarted Tuesday morning by Bangladesh Army and fire service workers.
He said, the toll might go up as many people residing on hill slopes were still missing.
The Chittagong city experienced 397 mm rain Monday and Tuesday. Most part of the city and adjoining areas were still under knee-deep water. The power supply remained suspended.
Television footage showed people could not even shift their valuables before leaving their houses.
All educational institutions in Chittagong were closed due to the catastrophic situation.
The heavy rain was caused by the active monsoon, which the weather office said might continue for two more days.
Meanwhile Chief Advisor of Bangladesh caretaker government Fakhruddin Ahmed flew in Chittagong Tuesday morning and met the victims and distributed relief materials among the distressed.