Sixty-nine tourists have been stranded at Nafakhum waterfall in Thanchi upazila of Bandarban after several days of rainfall caused the Sangu River to swell, cutting off access to the upazila headquarters. The affected areas include Padma Jhiri, Raja Patar, Amiya Khum, Nafakhum, and Remakri. Local guides and five engine-powered boats have been dispatched to bring the tourists back safely, according to Clement Tripura, general secretary of the Tourist Guide Welfare Association.

In response to the situation, the Thanchi upazila administration has issued an emergency notice banning travel to all tourist centers, hill trails, river routes, remote areas, and risky locations. A tourist from Dhaka, Ashraf, said their group was unable to return the previous day due to strong currents but managed to come back today. Another guide, Gorbel Tripura, reported that some tourists remain in Nafakhum and other nearby spots, while his group has safely returned.

Authorities are monitoring the situation as rescue efforts continue amid rising water levels and travel restrictions in the region.