Entry to Waterfalls Banned for Three Days Due to Heavy Rainfall in Bangladesh

Entry for tourists to all mountain waterfalls in the Mirsarai district of Bangladesh's Chittagong region has been banned for three days due to adverse weather conditions. The Chittagong North Forest Department announced that the waterfalls located within the boundaries of Baraiyadhala National Park will be closed to visitors from 7 July to 10 July. During this period, no tickets will be sold, and visitors will not be allowed to enter these areas. Officials stated that a strict security measure has been decided upon to prevent possible disasters in the region. The said restriction aims to prevent possible loss of life by prioritizing public safety.

The official statement issued by the authorities emphasizes that the heavy rains experienced in the region in recent days have significantly increased security risks. It is stated that flash floods, landslides in mountainous areas, and water levels in waterfalls reaching dangerous proportions could lead to serious accidents. The forest administration and local administration are exhibiting a determined stance regarding taking all necessary measures against these natural hazards. The temporary ban decision taken in this context will remain in effect until weather conditions return to normal. It is expressed that such preventive steps can be life-saving for the local people and tourists.

The decision signed by Mohammad Ashraful Alam, the official in charge of the Baraiyadhala region, states that the safety of tourists is the top priority. Following the decision, activities in the region have been temporarily suspended, and all relevant personnel have been informed. Security guards are conducting strict inspections against risks that may arise if there is entry into the areas where the waterfalls are located. Suspending tourist activities in the region during periods when such natural disaster risks are high is an important part of the country's disaster management policies. Relevant units plan to reopen the waterfalls to visitors once the adverse weather conditions improve.

Mirsarai district administrator (UNO) Somaiya Akter stated that seasonal rains have pushed the water flow in the waterfalls to well above normal levels. The official emphasized that in such situations, the probability of serious accidents occurring, such as visitors being swept away by the current or slipping on rocky ground, is extremely high. Official warnings have also been sent to all tourism facility owners and local operators to ensure visitor safety. These individuals have been asked not to accept any visitors and not to sell tickets during the ban period. Tourist facilities in the region are also obliged to fully comply with these security measures.

Mirsarai and the surrounding mountainous terrains are among the regions that always carry a disaster risk during periods of intense monsoon rains. Authorities demand that the public strictly adhere to the warnings until weather conditions improve and a safe visiting environment is provided in the region. It is reported that during this process, all measures are being continued to protect the natural structure of the region and to avoid risking people's lives. Similar natural events have caused material damage and loss of life in the country in the past, therefore the effective use of early warning mechanisms is of great importance. It has been announced by the authorities that the situation is being closely monitored and the region will be reassessed in terms of safety on 10 July.