Rangamati Hanging Bridge Submerged as Kaptai Dam Sluice Gates Open
Continuous rainfall and upstream runoff have submerged Rangamati's iconic hanging bridge as Kaptai Lake water levels surged. Authorities have suspended pedestrian access indefinitely to prevent safety hazards.
Rangamati's renowned 335-foot-long hanging bridge, originally constructed in 1986, has been submerged following a significant rise in the water level of Kaptai Lake. The inundation was triggered by relentless heavy rainfall and cascading upstream mountain runoff that pushed water levels upward across the region on Friday, September 11, 2026.
As the lake continued to swell through Friday afternoon, water levels on the bridge's wooden deck rose to approximately four to five inches deep. The accumulating water created hazardous conditions for pedestrians and visitors, prompting immediate operational responses from local tourism management officials stationed in the picturesque hill district.
To mitigate potential safety risks associated with the submerged infrastructure, the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation officially suspended all public crossings and tourist access across the hanging bridge. Alok Bikash Chakma confirmed that the closure was enacted for an indefinite period following formal authorization from higher administrative authorities.
Authorities confirmed that pedestrian access will remain strictly prohibited until floodwaters recede from the wooden deck. Once water levels drop safely, the popular tourist landmark will be reopened to visitors for normal recreational use, according to statements provided by Alok Bikash Chakma regarding the ongoing weather disruption.
In response to the escalating water levels in the reservoir, operators took decisive action at the hydroelectric facility by opening the infrastructure's spillway gates. Specifically, all 16 spillway sluice gates of the Kaptai Dam were opened by six inches each to safely manage the massive influx of water flowing into the lake system.
The emergency operational measures at the dam followed critical hydrologic measurements recorded earlier in the day. On Friday morning, the water level inside Kaptai Lake officially reached 105.51 feet MSL (Mean Sea Level), necessitating the coordinated release of water through the newly opened spillway gates to protect regional infrastructure.
