The death toll in the landslides in southeastern hilly districts of Bangladesh has risen to 130 with rescue operations slowed down by bad weather and cut-off communications still continuing. <br/><br/>Officials say the number of deaths is likely to increase as scores are still missing and many are hurt. Officials have confirmed 98 dead in Rangamati, 27 in Chittagong and 7 in Bandarban. Worst hit Rangamati had 20 landslides while Chittagong had 5 landslides. Meanwhile district administration have evacuated around 1000 vulnerable people to secured shelters. <br/><br/>However, despite warning many continue to live in their shanty-like homes at foot of hills risking their lives. Power black-outs, cut-off road communications and disrupted mobile communications have added to the woes rescue operators .<br/><br/>Director General of Disaster Management Department Reaz Ahmed told reporters that destruction of hills and cutting of trees is the main cause behind the landslides, the worst since 2007 which left 127 dead.<br/><br/>With 5 more bodies recovered this morning, the death toll has risen to 135. A fresh landslide today in Cox's Bazar has claimed 2 more lives. Official sources have confirmed 100 dead in Rangamati, 26 in Chittagong, 7 in Bandarban and 2 in Cox.s bazar. Improved weather is helping rescue operations, but the Met Dept has forecast further heavy rains in some parts of Chittagong Division triggering risks of further landslides. <br/><br/>Meanwhile district administration has evacuated around 1000 people to shelters and secured places. But despite warning, many continue to live at the base of hills risking their lives. Relief in the form of food grains and money has been rushed to the affected families.This is the worst landslide since 2007 and experts say a master plan to identify risks of landslides including cutting of hills and deforestration is urgently needed.

The death toll in the landslides in southeastern hilly districts of Bangladesh has risen to 130 with rescue operations slowed down by bad weather and cut-off communications still continuing. <br/><br/>Officials say the number of deaths is likely to increase as scores are still missing and many are hurt. Officials have confirmed 98 dead in Rangamati, 27 in Chittagong and 7 in Bandarban. Worst hit Rangamati had 20 landslides while Chittagong had 5 landslides. Meanwhile district administration have evacuated around 1000 vulnerable people to secured shelters. <br/><br/>However, despite warning many continue to live in their shanty-like homes at foot of hills risking their lives. Power black-outs, cut-off road communications and disrupted mobile communications have added to the woes rescue operators .<br/><br/>Director General of Disaster Management Department Reaz Ahmed told reporters that destruction of hills and cutting of trees is the main cause behind the landslides, the worst since 2007 which left 127 dead.