At least 44 people have died and over a million are stranded after days of torrential monsoon rain triggered floods and landslides in southeastern Bangladesh. The disaster management ministry reported on Saturday that flooding across seven districts—Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachhari, Moulvibazar and Habiganj—has disrupted daily life, isolated thousands of families, and stranded 267,918 households. Many residents have been unable to cook for days as flood waters submerged their homes, while others struggle after thick layers of mud covered kitchens and living spaces.
Devastation in Chattogram and Beyond
Nurul Islam, a resident of a flood-hit area in Chattogram, described the dire situation: "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." Thousands of families are relying on dry food—flattened rice, puffed rice or biscuits that do not require cooking—and emergency relief. Washed-out roads and damaged bridges, however, have made it difficult for aid workers to reach some of the hardest-hit communities.
Relief Efforts Underway
Army and navy personnel are ferrying food, drinking water, medicines and other essential supplies by boat to isolated communities, as authorities step up relief efforts. The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) distributed dry food packages to 300 flood-affected families in Konagaon and Bhangarhat Bazar areas at Rajnagar, Moulvibazar. BDRCS Chairman Barrister Md. Abdus Salam stated, "BDRCS always stands by disaster-affected people." The Bangladesh Navy also deployed resources to assist those waterlogged in Chattogram, as shown in their social media posts.
Government Response
Disaster Management and Relief Minister Iqbal Hossain said during a visit to affected areas in Chattogram: "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." The government has mobilized all available resources to address the crisis.
Landslides in Rohingya Camps
The heavy rain also triggered landslides in Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar earlier this week, killing 16 refugees, including women and children. More than one million Rohingya refugees live in the camps, where makeshift shelters on steep, deforested hillsides are especially vulnerable during the monsoon season. The landslides have compounded the humanitarian crisis in the camps.
Climate Change Context
Bangladesh is one of the world's most disaster-prone countries, with seasonal monsoon rains regularly causing floods, river erosion and landslides. Scientists say climate change is making extreme rainfall more frequent and intense, increasing the scale and severity of such disasters. The current floods highlight the growing vulnerability of the region to climate-related events.
