Flash flood, landslide death toll rises to 54; rainfall likely to ease tomorrow
Both Banks Submerged as Sangu River Floods in Bandarban. Photo: Taken from Video
Cox’s Bazar is the worst-affected district, with 31 deaths — 18 local residents and 13 Rohingya refugees — along with 24 injuries.
The death toll from landslides and flash floods caused by continuous heavy rain and hill torrents has risen to 54 across seven districts in Bangladesh. More than 600,000 people have been directly affected, while over 150,000 families remain marooned. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said rainfall is expected to ease from Tuesday afternoon in Dhaka and elsewhere in the country.
The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief released the updated figures on Monday afternoon.
Cox’s Bazar records most deaths
According to the ministry, the seven worst-hit districts are Khagrachari, Rangamati, Bandarban, Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Moulvibazar, and Habiganj. The ongoing floods have partially or completely inundated 334 unions and 12 municipalities across 59 upazilas, leaving a total of 609,411 people directly affected.
Cox’s Bazar is the worst-affected district, with 31 deaths — 18 local residents and 13 Rohingya refugees — along with 24 injuries. Other casualties include 13 in Chattogram, six in Bandarban, three in Rangamati, and one in Moulvibazar.
Shelters and relief operations
Authorities have opened 1,049 shelters for displaced residents. Local authorities and public representatives helped move 38,422 people to the shelters. The Chattogram region currently operates 415 shelters, housing the highest number of evacuees at 16,821.
Relief operations continued across the affected districts. The government has so far allocated 8,950 tonnes of rice and Tk 4.60 crore in cash for the seven flood-hit districts. Emergency supplies, including dry food and essential medicines, were distributed. The government also allocated Tk 20 lakh each from the Prime Minister's Relief and Welfare Fund for Rangamati and Bandarban to support compensation and rehabilitation efforts.
Rainfall expected to decrease
Meteorologist Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik said rainfall is expected to decrease across the country from Tuesday afternoon. Skies over Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram divisions are expected to clear.
However, the rain is not expected to stop completely. “The heavy rain will ease, but sporadic light showers will persist. The capital may see brief spells of sunshine on Tuesday,” Mallik said. He warned that the monsoon could strengthen again by Thursday, which could bring another spell of heavy rain.
Mallik also said Dhaka recorded 110 millimeters of rainfall over a 27-hour period from 6:00 am Sunday to 9:00 am Monday. The heavy rain submerged major streets in the city over the last two days, causing widespread disruption.
