CHITTAGONG, June 26: Landslides and thunderbolts caused by incessant rainfall today killed at least seven and
injured several others in southwestern port city of Chittagong and neighbouring areas including Cox's Bazar.

   "We could so far confirm deaths of two people who were killed as a wall collapsed at Khulshi area of the city while some 50 shanties were collapsed in landslides at nearby Akbarshah Majar area," police commissioner of the port city Shafiqul Islam told reporters as he was reached by phone.

   Another police official substantiated him saying fire brigade rescuers so far retrieved three people with critical
injuries while efforts were underway to retrieve others from under tons of mud after the landslide that occurred this evening at the Khulshi area.

   Three other deaths from landslides were reported from Cox's Bazar while two siblings died in thunderbolts at Satkania upazila of Chittagong.

   The disasters came hours after aviation officials said inclement weather forced them to suspend local and foreign flight operations at the Shah Amanat International Airport.

   Railway officials said gushing rain waters from hills collapsed a major railway bridge at the outskirts of the city
cutting off the port city's train links with capital Dhaka and northeastern Sylhet region.

   Port officials said the weather forced operators to suspend cargo handling and allow several ships to enter into main port jetties from outer anchorage for safety reasons.

   Residents and witnesses said clogged waters in most parts of the city forced authorities to cut off the electricity supplies at several parts of the city to evade accidents.

   Earlier reports said the downpour accompanied by strong thunderbolt began Friday and continued till filling of this
report caused huge waterlogging and inundation of dwelling houses of the low-lying areas.

   A total of 23 ships, including three sugar-laden ones, are still awaiting at the outer anchorage for unloading of goods
while nearly 50 sea-bound lighter vessels remained stranded on shore for heavy rainfall.

   Patenga Meteorological office at the port city recorded 649.3 mm rainfall in last five days and 146.7 mm alone in last 24 hours ending 3 pm today.