Bangladesh deluge kills 44; a million stranded

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, July 12, 2026

Heavy monsoon rains in southeastern Bangladesh have caused floods and landslides, killing at least 44 people and affecting over one million residents across seven districts, including vulnerable Rohingya refugee camps. Rescue efforts are ongoing despite disrupted infrastructure and communication, with authorities providing essential aid and urging displaced individuals to seek shelter amid growing concerns about climate change intensifying such disasters.

Floods and landslides caused by several days of heavy monsoon rain have resulted in the deaths of at least 44 people in southeastern Bangladesh, authorities reported. Over one million individuals have been affected as floodwaters disrupted daily life and isolated thousands of families across seven districts: Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachhari, Moulvibazar, and Habiganj.

The disaster has left approximately 267,918 households stranded, with power outages and damaged roads hampering rescue and relief operations. Communication networks have also been affected, further complicating efforts to reach those in need. Many residents have been forced to rely on dry food such as flattened rice, puffed rice, or biscuits, as floodwaters have submerged kitchens and homes. Thick mud deposits have added to the challenges faced by affected families.

Nurul Islam, a resident from Chattogram, described life under the floods, 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.”

Government agencies, along with army and navy personnel, have been actively delivering essential supplies including food, drinking water, and medical aid by boat to reach communities cut off by washed-out roads and collapsed bridges. Disaster Management and Relief Minister Iqbal Hossain emphasized the government's commitment to supporting victims during a visit to flood-affected areas, urging those displaced to move to the nearest shelters where they can receive assistance.

In addition to flooding, landslides triggered by the heavy rains have caused casualties in the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, where 16 refugees, including women and children, have died this week. The camps house over one million refugees in makeshift shelters on steep hillsides that are particularly vulnerable to monsoon-related disasters.

Bangladesh is known for its susceptibility to climate-related hazards, including seasonal flooding, river erosion, and landslides. Experts note that climate change is contributing to an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events, exacerbating the country's recurring vulnerabilities.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.