12/07/2026
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12/07/2026
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DHAKA, July 12: Heavy monsoon rains have killed at least 51 people across southeastern Bangladesh over the past week, while tens of thousands have been forced to flee their homes as widespread flooding and landslides continue to batter the country.
According to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, 39 people were injured and more than 38,400 people have taken refuge in government flood shelters.
Most of the fatalities were caused by landslides and drowning in floodwaters in the districts of Chattogram, Rangamati, Bandarban and Moulvibazar. The coastal district of Cox's Bazar recorded the highest death toll, with 28 people killed, including 13 Rohingya refugees.
Bangladesh hosts around 1.2 million Rohingya refugees in camps in Cox's Bazar after they fled violence in neighboring Myanmar.
The Flood Forecasting and Warning Center warned that northern, northeastern and southeastern parts of the country could experience further flooding over the next 24 to 48 hours as river levels continue to rise following persistent heavy rainfall. Authorities also warned that expected heavy rain in Bangladesh's Sylhet region and the neighboring Indian states of Assam and Meghalaya could further increase water levels in transboundary rivers.
In response, the government has deployed Border Guard Bangladesh personnel to 11 districts to assist with rescue operations and flood management.
In the capital, Dhaka, heavy rain caused widespread waterlogging in several low-lying areas, disrupting traffic, including on the elevated expressway and in the Banani district. State meteorologists said 76 millimeters of rain fell between midnight and early Sunday morning, marking the city's highest single-day rainfall this month.
Amid the worsening flood situation, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman convened a meeting with divisional officials and instructed authorities to prioritize the protection of lives and property while ensuring the rapid delivery of relief supplies and medical assistance.
