Bangladesh monsoon floods kill 50 as landslides and rising waters displace thousands

Sunday 12 July 2026 - 16:15

By: Sahili Aya

Bangladesh monsoon floods kill 50 as landslides and rising waters displace thousands

At least 50 people have died and tens of thousands have been displaced after severe monsoon rains triggered widespread flooding and landslides across southeastern Bangladesh, deepening a humanitarian crisis in one of the world's most climate-vulnerable countries.

Emergency services, supported by the military and border guards, are continuing relief operations as communities remain isolated by floodwaters and authorities warn that additional regions could still face inundation.

Deadly floods and landslides devastate southeastern Bangladesh

The worst-hit area is the Chattogram division, where local authorities reported at least 50 fatalities over the past week.

Among the victims were 29 people killed in landslides caused by persistent heavy rainfall, while two people remain missing as rescue efforts continue.

Government officials said approximately 35,000 residents have sought refuge in emergency shelters after being forced to flee rising waters.

Thousands rely on emergency assistance

Flooded roads and submerged villages have complicated relief operations, prompting Bangladesh's army and border guard forces to deliver food, drinking water and essential supplies by boat to isolated communities.

Authorities have opened around 4,000 emergency shelters to accommodate displaced families as shortages of clean water and food become increasingly severe.

Many residents remain unable to return home, with houses, farmland and essential infrastructure still underwater.

Rohingya refugee camps face renewed risks

The disaster has also affected the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, where heavy rainfall triggered landslides that killed 15 people last week.

More than 1.2 million Rohingya refugees live in densely populated settlements built on deforested hillsides, making the camps particularly vulnerable to landslides during the annual monsoon season.

Humanitarian organisations continue to monitor conditions closely as the weather threatens already fragile living conditions.

Climate concerns remain as monsoon continues

Bangladesh experiences seasonal flooding every year because of its low-lying geography and extensive river network. Scientists have warned that climate change is contributing to more frequent and intense extreme weather events across South Asia.

Although forecasters expect conditions in the southeast to gradually improve, officials say active monsoon systems could still bring additional flooding to northern and northeastern parts of the country in the coming days.