Photo : BSS

RANGAMATI, Aug 29, 2026 (BSS) - The iconic hanging bridge (Jhulonto Shetu) at the Rangamati Parjatan Corporation has been partially submerged by rising waters in Kaptai Lake, prompting the tourism authorities to temporarily suspend tourist movement across the bridge for safety reasons.

The restriction was imposed on Saturday afternoon as water levels in the lake continued to rise due to heavy rainfall and the continuous flow of hill runoff from upstream areas.

Rangamati Tourism Corporation Manager Alok Bikash Chakma said that the water level of Kaptai Lake has reached close to the danger mark following several days of heavy rain and increased upstream runoff.

“As the lake water continues to rise, the wooden planks of the scenic hanging bridge have started going underwater. Most parts of the bridge are now submerged, making it unsafe for tourists to cross,” he said.

He said the authorities decided to close the bridge temporarily, giving highest priority to the safety of tourists. The suspension will remain in effect until the water level recedes and the bridge is declared safe for use.

The water level of Kaptai Lake has been rising steadily due to persistent rainfall and water flowing down from the hills. As a result, the historic hanging bridge, one of Rangamati's major tourist attractions, is now largely under water.

Meanwhile, the water level of Kaptai Lake reached around 105.64 feet above mean sea level (MSL) at noon on Saturday, against its storage capacity of 109 feet MSL. With the water level continuing to rise, authorities have decided to open the spillway gates of the Kaptai Dam.

Authorities have prepared to release water through all 16 spillway gates of the Kaptai Dam as the water level of Kaptai Lake has risen rapidly and is nearing the danger level.

Mahmud Hasan, manager (supervising engineer) of the Karnaphuli Hydroelectric Power Station, confirmed the development to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).

Authorities are closely monitoring the lake's water level and the situation surrounding the Kaptai Dam.

Besides, low-lying areas of Dighinala upazila in Khagrachhari have been inundated for the third time following incessant rainfall and hill torrents, disrupting road communication between Dighinala and Longadu of Rangamati district.

Heavy rainfall continued throughout Friday night, triggering fresh flooding in several low-lying areas of Merung, Kabakhali and Boalkhali unions, just a week after the previous spell of flooding.

In Merung union, the road and the Bacha Merung Steel Bridge have gone under water, temporarily disrupting road communication on the Dighinala-Longadu route. Local people have been forced to use boats to move from one place to another.

However, road communication on the Dighinala-Sajek route remains normal as the water level near the Maini Bridge and adjacent areas in Kabakhali union is still low.

Kabakhali Union Parishad Chairman Nalej Chakma Gyan told BSS that several areas of the union were inundated following torrential and continuous rainfall overnight.

As water entered homes, some flood-affected families took shelter at Pablakhali Government Primary School, he said, adding that arrangements were being made to provide them with food.

Dighinala Upazila Nirbahi Officer Tanzil Parvez told BSS that several low-lying areas of Kabakhali, Boalkhali and Merung unions were inundated following heavy rainfall and hill torrents from upstream areas.

He said seven families, comprising 20 people, from Kabakhali Union have so far taken shelter at an emergency shelter centre.

The concerned union parishad has made preliminary arrangements for food and other necessary support for the affected people, he added.