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The death toll from devastating floods and rain-triggered landslides in Bangladesh’s Chattogram Division has climbed to 39, with more than 9.28 lakh people affected across five districts as relentless monsoon rains continue to inundate vast areas, disrupt communications and displace thousands.
According to the latest situation report from the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, Cox’s Bazar recorded the highest number of fatalities with 23 deaths, including 13 Rohingyas, followed by Chattogram (8), Bandarban (6) and Rangamati (2).
In Chattogram district alone, 188,648 families in 16 upazilas, including Chattogram city, have been affected by days of torrential rainfall, flash floods, hill runoff and landslides.
A total of 176 unions and municipalities have been impacted, while 673 emergency shelters are now housing 23,853 displaced people.
The government has allocated 700 tonnes of rice and Tk 6 crore in cash assistance for flood victims. So far, 300 tonnes of rice, Tk 4.3 crore, 22,250 dry food packets and 18,330 cooked meals have been distributed, with additional relief supplies kept on standby.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to continue until 12 July, keeping Local Warning Signal No. 3 hoisted at Chattogram seaport and cautioning against a heightened risk of landslides across the hill districts.
Satkania, Banshkhali among worst-hit
The flood situation has deteriorated sharply in Satkania and Banshkhali, where more than 500,000 people remain marooned. Vast areas have gone underwater after swollen rivers and hill runoff inundated homes, cropland, fish farms and roads.
Two children—Ashik (11) and Miraj (6)—died in Banshkhali’s Baharchhara union after being swept away by flash floodwaters.
Residents in many remote unions said relief has yet to reach them, while prolonged power outages and disrupted mobile networks have hampered rescue efforts and damage assessment.
Officials said the Bangladesh Army is preparing to use speedboats to deliver relief to isolated communities.
Cox’s Bazar, Hill districts struggle
An estimated 500,000 people have been affected in Cox’s Bazar, with Chakaria and Matamuhuri among the hardest-hit areas.
Thousands of tube wells have been submerged, leaving residents without safe drinking water, while many families are struggling with shortages of food, medicine and baby supplies.
In Rangamati, the Bangladesh Army evacuated 461 stranded tourists from Sajek Valley after landslides and damaged roads cut off access to the popular tourist destination.
Authorities in Bandarban have extended the closure of all tourist attractions until 15 July due to persistent heavy rainfall and the threat of landslides.
Habiganj embankment breach leaves 30,000 stranded
Outside Chattogram Division, around 30,000 people in Habiganj have been marooned after the Khowai River embankment collapsed under pressure from continuous rain and upstream hill runoff.
Floodwaters inundated several unions across Sadar, Bahubal and Baniachang upazilas, forcing many families to evacuate with their livestock and belongings, while key roads and low-lying parts of Habiganj town went underwater.
PM orders intensified rescue and relief
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed authorities to intensify rescue and relief operations in all flood-affected areas, with special emphasis on Chattogram Division.
Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly said the premier is monitoring the situation around the clock and remains in constant contact with district administrations to ensure an effective emergency response.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman visited flood-hit areas in Satkania and Banshkhali, distributed relief among affected families and urged the government to accelerate rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts as thousands continue to battle the worst flooding in years.
