Death toll in Bangladesh rises to 99

Dhaka , June 12 (UNI) Death toll from yesterday's disastrous landslides in Bangladesh's southeastern city of Chittagong rose to 99 with 19 more bodies recovered this noon.

Police and fire brigade sources said 16 more bodies were recovered from Lebu Bagan in Hathazari sub-district while three from Kusumbagh residential area of the city.

Dozens of people were feared missing in swamps of rainwater and mud, they said.

The Chittagong city experienced 397 rainfall during the last 48 hours, Met office said.

All educational institutions in Chittagong were closed due to the catastrophic situation.

Meanwhile, Chief Advisor of the caretaker government Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed flew to Chittagong this morning, met the victims and distributed relief among the distressed people.

''Our first task is to rescue the people, treat and help rehabilitate them,'' he said talking to reporters at worst-hit Kaijakona area.

He also assured that steps would be taken to solve the water-logging problem in Chittagong city and added that those who are involved in cutting hills illegally will be punished through investigation.

UNI