Heavy Rains Flood Cox’s Bazar, Displacing Thousands and Causing Landslides
Cox’s Bazar has been hit by severe flooding, with continuous heavy rain inundating at least 33 unions across nine upazilas. Water surging from hills and rising river levels have left many residents stranded. The Cox’s Bazar Meteorological Office recorded 129 millimeters of rain in the 24 hours leading up to Tuesday morning, with rainfall continuing.
At least 14 unions in Ramu and Chakaria are underwater. Hundreds of homes have been damaged. Low-lying areas in Cox’s Bazar Municipality, Teknaf, Ukhiya, Pekua, Maheshkhali, Eidgaon, and Kutubdia are also flooded.
Tragically, the heavy rain has led to loss of life. Eight Rohingya refugees and one local resident died in landslides on Sunday night. A child also died when a mud house collapsed in Pekua.
Authorities are working to manage the situation. The Deputy Commissioner stated that as the rain subsides, the situation is slowly returning to normal. Over a thousand people from vulnerable hill areas have been moved to safety. Public announcements are urging residents in risky areas to relocate to shelters.
Meteorologists warn of more heavy rainfall in the next two days, increasing the risk of further landslides and erosion. Teknaf has seen some of the worst effects, with several villages flooded and over 500 families experiencing water in their homes. Roads have been damaged, and many mud houses have sustained damage. Landslides are occurring in various parts of the upazila, prompting the relocation of people living on hills.
The adverse weather has also disrupted services. Boat services between Teknaf and Saint Martin Island are suspended due to rough seas. This has prevented two students from Saint Martin’s Island from taking their HSC exams. The district administration is seeking permission for them to retake the exams.
Communication with Teknaf has been cut off for five days, raising concerns about potential food shortages on Saint Martin’s Island.
In Cox’s Bazar town, popular tourist areas and roads are submerged, causing inconvenience. An old bridge in Kutubdia Upazila collapsed, disconnecting two areas, though no casualties were reported. Authorities are taking extensive precautions against further landslides, anticipating more heavy rain.
