At least 51 people have died and 39 were injured as devastating floods and landslides hit Bangladesh, affecting over one million people. Relief operations continue while authorities intensify rescue efforts and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman orders maximum alert across the country.
At least 51 people have lost their lives and 39 others have been injured after widespread floods and landslides struck several parts of Bangladesh, according to the country’s Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief. The disaster has affected more than one million people, forcing thousands of families to seek shelter as emergency rescue and relief operations continue across the flood-ravaged regions.
Official figures show that 1,022,963 people have been impacted by the flooding, while members of 267,918 families remain stranded due to rising water levels. Authorities have established 1,131 emergency shelter centres, where 44,457 people have taken refuge as heavy rainfall continues to inundate low-lying areas.
The worst-hit districts include Rangamati, Bandarban, Habiganj, Moulvibazar, Khagrachhari, Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram. Among them, Cox’s Bazar has recorded the highest number of fatalities with 28 deaths, followed by Chattogram with 13. Bandarban reported six deaths, Rangamati three and Moulvibazar one.
According to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, flooding has affected 58 upazilas, 386 unions and 12 municipalities, disrupting transportation, communication and essential public services. Many roads remain submerged, while landslides in hilly regions have further complicated rescue operations and increased risks for local residents.
Relief teams, including government agencies, local authorities and volunteers, are working to evacuate stranded residents and deliver food, drinking water and medical assistance to affected communities. Emergency response teams continue to monitor vulnerable areas where additional rainfall could worsen the situation.
Responding to the unfolding crisis, Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday directed all relevant government agencies and field-level administrations to remain on maximum alert. During a virtual meeting with Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Inspectors General of Police, Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, Civil Surgeons and other officials from all eight divisions, he instructed authorities to coordinate their efforts to protect lives and property.
Officials briefed the Prime Minister on the extent of waterlogging, damage to infrastructure, the condition of shelter centres, rescue operations, relief distribution and healthcare services in their respective jurisdictions.
Emphasising that protecting citizens must remain the government’s highest priority, Rahman ordered the rapid distribution of relief materials, including dry food, safe drinking water, baby food and essential medicines. He also stressed the importance of ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services for flood victims and vulnerable communities.
In addition, the Prime Minister directed law enforcement agencies to remain on the highest level of alert to prevent theft, hoarding, misappropriation of relief supplies and other criminal activities that could exploit the ongoing emergency.
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Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable and low-lying areas to follow official advisories and move to designated shelters whenever necessary. Disaster management officials continue to monitor weather conditions closely as relief operations remain underway, with concerns that further rainfall could prolong the humanitarian crisis and increase challenges for rescue teams across the affected districts.
