Authorities today launched an eviction drive in the port city of Chittagong to avert possible loss of lives from landslides in the monsoon.

A five-member team led by a magistrate began the drive on the slopes of Matijharna area around 1:30am, our correspondent reports.

During the rainy season, the soil on the hills become softer and may trigger a landslide – posing threat to the lives of the low-living people dwelling on those turfs.

"We are evicting the hill people who are dwelling in a risky situation at the foot and on the slopes for the sake of their lives," Shamsuzzaman executive magistrate (Wasa) told The Daily Star.

However, the authorities said nothing about rehabilitating those dwellers.

"We issued a notice three days ago to leave the area. Even, we asked them through loudspeaker to leave the area for sake of their lives but they did not pay attention," the magistrate said.

"I don't know anything about their rehabilitation. It will be settled through discussion with the Chittagong deputy commissioner," he added.    

Anwara, a dweller of the hill, told The Daily Star they neither get any eviction notice nor hear any direction given by loudspeakers.

According to the recommendation prepared by the hill management committee, at least 666 families will be shifted from 11 risky hilly areas in phases.