Dhaka – Flooding in southeastern Bangladesh has turned severe, with hundreds of thousands of people still marooned after vast swathes of land were submerged and heavy rains continuing to lash the region.
The government says at least 51 people have been killed and dozens more injured in flooding and landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rains that began last week.
In a situation update report released on Sunday, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief said the government has opened temporary shelters to accommodate affected people and mobilized relief goods in the flood-hit districts.
Government estimates indicate that more than 1 million people are currently affected by the flooding in Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Habiganj, and Moulvibazar.
Cox’s Bazar is considered the worst-affected district, with at least 28 people killed in flash floods and landslides. The majority of the victims are Rohingya Muslims living in crowded refugee camps in the district, according to the government’s updated situation report.
The Ministry of Disaster Management said 13 people were killed in Chattogram, six in Bandarban, three in Rangamati, and one in Moulvibazar. No deaths were reported from the two other flood-affected districts—Habiganj and Khagrachhari.
The ministry also reported that 39 people were injured, mostly in landslide incidents. It added that the government had moved some 38,422 flood-affected people into 1,049 temporary shelters opened to accommodate the victims.
The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre has predicted more rain until Tuesday morning in northeastern Bangladesh and in the upstream regions of the Indian states of Assam and Meghalaya, said Mostafa Kamal, an official at the centre.
As a result, he said, some rivers in Bangladesh’s northern and northeastern parts may swell further, causing short-term flooding in low-lying areas along their banks.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday directed all concerned to undertake coordinated efforts to protect lives and property in the affected areas. He also asked them to ensure prompt delivery of relief and medical services and to effectively manage the evolving situation, said Suzauddhowla Sujon Mahmud, one of the press officers at the Prime Minister’s Office.
District-Wise Breakdown:
A total of 58 upazilas, 386 unions, and 11 municipalities across the seven districts have been inundated.
Chattogram
Floods have impacted 152 unions and municipal areas across 16 upazilas in Chattogram. Some 148,500 families have been marooned, and the number of affected people stands at 595,000. The district has reported 13 deaths and 12 injuries. Currently, 21,900 people are staying in 618 shelters. Rice, cash, dry food, and cooked meals are being distributed among the affected.
Cox’s Bazar
Some 70 unions and four municipalities across 10 upazilas have been affected. Some 39,506 families are marooned, and the number of affected people is 158,027. A total of 28 deaths have been reported in the district, including both local residents and Rohingya refugees. Twenty-four people have been injured, five of whom are Rohingya. Additionally, one person is still missing. Some 1,580 people have taken shelter in 27 shelters in the district.
Bandarban
Some 34 unions and two municipalities across seven upazilas have been affected. Some 12,500 families are marooned, and the number of affected people is 83,500. Six deaths and two injuries have been reported there. A total of 6,250 people are staying in 220 shelters.
Rangamati
Some 43 unions and two municipalities across nine upazilas have been flooded. Some 1,044 families are marooned, and 3,524 people have been affected. Three deaths have been reported in the district. A total of 3,637 people have taken refuge in 50 shelters.
Khagrachhari
The government said some 33 unions and three municipalities across nine upazilas have been affected. Some 1,073 families are marooned, and 34,417 people have been affected. One injury has been reported there. A total of 2,883 people are staying in 150 shelters.
Moulvibazar
Some 31 unions and one municipality across five upazilas have been inundated. Some 7,308 families are marooned, and 26,544 people have been affected. One death has been reported there. A total of 2,172 people have taken shelter in 20 shelters.
Habiganj
Five unions across three upazilas have been affected by floods. Some 6,444 families are marooned, and 28,140 people have been affected. According to the district administration, although two shelters have been opened, no one has taken refuge there yet.
Relief and Response:
The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has said that from July 7 to 12, a total of Tk 2.85 crore in cash and 3,250 metric tons of rice have been allocated for the seven affected districts.
In addition, Tk 4.60 crore and 8,950 metric tons of rice have been allocated as humanitarian assistance for all 64 districts of the country.
The ministry also said that rescue, shelter, and relief operations are continuing in coordination with local administrations, the army, volunteer organizations, and various agencies. Further relief allocations will be made as needed, depending on the evolving situation.
