By Xinhua
Dhaka : Mudslides caused by torrential rains have so far killed 76 people while many remain missing in Bangladesh's south-eastern city of Chittagong, local television channel CSB reported Monday.
Local people said the death toll would rise as rainwater rushing down from the hills washed away many villagers.
Chittagong Divisional Commissioner Mokhlesur Rahman, who is monitoring the rescue and relief operation, confirmed 65 dead. He said people were being shifted to safer places from vulnerable areas.
The army joined the local administration in the rescue operation that is becoming increasingly difficult in the downpour. Most parts of Chittagong commercial city were flooded with knee to waist deep waters.
Kalurghat radio station in the city suspended its transmission as the station went under 6-feet (1.8 meters) water. Air communication between Chittagong and other parts of the country has been suspended due to torrential rains.
Loading and unloading in the Chittagong Port began partially at about 9 a.m. Monday after remaining suspended from Sunday evening due to the downpour.
Meanwhile, the government has sanctioned about US$12,857 as financial grants for victims.
Control rooms have been opened in 31 sub districts of the Chittagong district to monitor the situation.
The area recorded 125.6 mm rainfall from Sunday evening till 9 a.m. (0300 GMT) Monday.