Dhaka, June 28: At least nine more people were killed as pre-monsoon rains triggered flash floods and landslides in calamity-prone Bangladesh, taking the toll to 40 in three days, officials and residents said today. Residents said seven people, including a child, were killed after being washed away by gushing rainwater late yesterday in the southeastern town of Fatikchari near the port city of Chittagong.

Police in Chittagong confirmed two deaths but feared all seven were killed.

Separately, Abdul Bari, 50, and his wife were killed when by lightning in the northwestern Joypurhat district, local police said.

At least 31 people were killed Thursday in landslides and flash floods in southeastern Bangladesh.

Many areas in the country's southeast, north and northeast are flooded due to torrential rains, officials said.

Bureau Report