Landslides in southeastern Bangladesh have killed at least 24 people, with many victims being buried alive as they slept overnight.

Another seven soldiers are missing in the Cox's Bazar region, 296km south of Dhaka, the capital, after heavy rains on Tuesday triggered flash floods and landslides in two areas.

"We could not start our rescue efforts yet as a landslide triggered by the rains has clogged up the main highways," Nibhas Chandra Majhi, the police chief for Cox's Bazaar, said.

"And the rain is still pouring down."

The seven soldiers were residing at a makeshift camp in the Ramu area, Giasuddin Ahmed, the chief government administrator in the region, said.

The area consists of many hills and forests, allowing for landslides during downpours.

PHOTO CAPTION

The map of Bangladesh

Al-Jazeera