Torrential Rain Triggers Floods and Landslides Across Seven Districts
Days of heavy monsoon rainfall have caused severe flooding and landslides across southeastern Bangladesh, killing at least 44 people and leaving more than one million residents stranded.
According to the country’s disaster management authorities, flooding has affected Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachhari, Moulvibazar, and Habiganj. The disaster has disrupted daily life and isolated thousands of families.
Officials said the floods have stranded 267,918 households across the affected districts. Meanwhile, damaged infrastructure continues to slow rescue and relief operations.
Rescue Teams Face Challenges Reaching Isolated Communities
Floodwaters have submerged homes, damaged roads, and disrupted communication networks. As a result, many communities remain cut off from emergency assistance.
Power outages have added to residents’ difficulties. Many families have lived without electricity for days, while floodwaters have made cooking impossible.
One resident from Chattogram described the difficult conditions, saying, “There is still water inside our home and we have no way to cook. The dry food we had has run out, and we spend the nights in the dark with our children because there is no electricity,”
Many families now depend on emergency food supplies such as flattened rice, puffed rice, and biscuits because these items require no cooking.
Authorities Expand Relief Operations
Army and navy personnel have increased rescue and relief efforts across flood-affected areas. They are transporting food, clean drinking water, medicines, and other essential supplies by boat to isolated communities.
Disaster Management and Relief Minister Iqbal Hossain said the government is working to support affected families.
He stated, “The government is doing everything possible to support flood victims. Relief, safe drinking water and medical supplies are being distributed, and we urge people whose homes have been inundated to move to the nearest shelter,”
Authorities continue encouraging residents in vulnerable areas to relocate to emergency shelters until flood conditions improve.
Landslides Also Hit Rohingya Refugee Camps
Heavy rainfall also triggered landslides in the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar earlier this week. The landslides killed 16 refugees, including women and children.
More than one million Rohingya refugees live in camps built on steep hillsides. These temporary settlements remain highly vulnerable during the annual monsoon season.
Bangladesh experiences severe flooding and landslides almost every year due to seasonal rains. However, scientists warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall. As a result, natural disasters are becoming more destructive and affecting larger populations across the country.
