Heavy Rains Devastate Bangladesh: 55 Dead, Millions Affected in Flood and Landslide Crisis
Continuous torrential rains in southeast Bangladesh have caused widespread devastation, with at least 55 people losing their lives and over a million others affected by floods and landslides. The regions worst-hit by this natural calamity include Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Bandarban, and Rangamati, where floods and landslides have claimed numerous lives and caused significant damage to infrastructure.
According to officials, these heavy rains, spanning two weeks, have been some of the most severe in recent years. On August 7 alone, a staggering 312 millimetres of rainfall was recorded. The incessant downpour until August 11 led to flash floods, resulting in the overflowing of rivers and the submerging of hundreds of villages.
Confirming the death toll proved challenging until the floodwaters began to recede. While the summer monsoon accounts for around 80 percent of South Asia’s annual rainfall, it also brings death and destruction in the form of flooding and landslides. Scientists suggest that climate change is exacerbating the intensity and unpredictability of monsoons, and deforestation as well as construction on hillsides has further aggravated the situation, leading to more severe flash floods.
Cox’s Bazar, home to approximately one million Rohingya refugees who fled Myanmar’s military crackdown, experienced immense devastation with around 600,000 people affected by the floods. Among the casualties were four Rohingya individuals, including a child and her mother who were buried under a landslide. In response to the risk of landslides in the refugee camps, nearly 2,000 people have been relocated to safer areas.
Chittagong, Bangladesh’s second-largest city and home to its largest port, also suffered significant damage, with numerous villages severely inundated. Residents claim that this is one of the worst flooding incidents in decades. Around 450,000 people in Chittagong were affected, and at least 19 lives were lost. The floods left approximately 5,000 thatched houses damaged, and transportation between Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar was disrupted for several days. Additionally, newly laid railway tracks were also impacted.
Bandarban, a hill district, experienced a major flash flood that claimed the lives of at least 10 people, while in Rangamati hill district, heavy rains left around 23,000 people cut off. Five fatalities were reported in Rangamati, along with significant damage to the area.
In response to the crisis, Bangladeshi authorities have dispatched food and relief supplies to the heavily affected regions. Shahina Sultana, a senior government official in Chattogram region (formerly known as Chittagong), emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the affected population. Despite ongoing efforts, five people remain missing.
The devastating impact of these heavy rains highlights the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and climate change mitigation efforts in Bangladesh. The government must work towards sustainable land management practices, encouraging reforestation and addressing construction vulnerabilities to protect communities from future flooding and landslides.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this natural disaster, long-term solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens, particularly those residing in vulnerable areas, will be crucial in mitigating the impact of such catastrophic events in the future.
