Bangladesh landslide kills 22, several missing

DHAKA, June 11 (Reuters) At least 22 people were killed and several missing after landslides triggered by heavy rains buried hillside homes in Bangladesh's Chittagong port city today, police and witnesses said.

The dead included five from one family, they said.

Some bodies were still trapped under tonnes of rubble and police and volunteers were struggling to retrieve them. Police said several people were injured and taken to hospitals.

The army and fire fighters have been called out to help, but were prevented by flooded roads, a witness said.

Police said landslides hit four areas in the city. Most shops were closed and residents stranded by waist-high water in some areas.

Weather officials said heavy rains at the onset of the annual monsoon season have paralysed much of Bangladesh since yesterday morning, and raised fears of flash floods in low-lying areas.

They expect showers to continue for several days more.

Reuters SKB DB1157