Flood Crisis Persists Across Seven Bangladesh Districts

Relentless rainfall, strong upstream river flows and landslides in hilly regions continue to leave the flood situation in Bangladesh’s south-eastern and north-eastern districts deeply concerning, with more than 155,000 families still stranded and hundreds of thousands affected by the disaster.

According to the latest update issued by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief on Monday (13 July), a total of 155,311 families remain marooned across seven severely affected districts. Overall, 609,411 people have been impacted by the floods and landslides, highlighting the scale of one of the country’s most significant monsoon-related emergencies in recent weeks.

The ministry reported that 54 people have lost their lives since the disaster began, while at least 39 others have been injured. Authorities continue to monitor the evolving situation as rescue operations, emergency relief distribution and healthcare services remain in full operation.

The worst-affected districts are Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Bandarban, Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Moulvibazar and Habiganj, where continuous rainfall and overflowing rivers have inundated large areas. In total, 59 upazilas, 334 unions and 12 municipalities have been affected by flooding, forcing thousands of residents to leave their homes and seek refuge in safer locations.

Among the affected districts, Cox’s Bazar has recorded the highest death toll, with 31 fatalities. Chattogram has reported 13 deaths, followed by Bandarban with six, Rangamati with three, and Moulvibazar with one. Injury figures also show Cox’s Bazar as the hardest-hit district, with 24 people injured. Chattogram has reported 12 injuries, Bandarban two, and Khagrachhari one.

The flooding has disrupted daily life, damaged homes, agricultural land and local infrastructure, while swollen rivers and unstable hillsides continue to pose significant risks. Authorities have warned that further rainfall could worsen conditions in low-lying and vulnerable areas.

To support displaced residents, the government has expanded emergency relief efforts across the affected districts. According to the ministry, 1,042 emergency shelters have been opened, where 38,422 people have already taken refuge. Local administrations are working alongside the Armed Forces, Fire Service and Civil Defence, volunteers and other government agencies to conduct rescue missions and distribute food, drinking water and essential supplies.

With floodwaters increasing the risk of waterborne diseases and other public health emergencies, the government has also strengthened its healthcare response. Leave for doctors and healthcare workers has been cancelled in 11 flood-affected districts, ensuring that medical personnel remain available throughout the crisis. Medical teams have been deployed to every affected upazila to provide immediate treatment, monitor disease outbreaks and respond to emergency health needs.

Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain Bakul said ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services remains one of the government’s highest priorities during the disaster. He stated that doctors and healthcare professionals have been instructed to remain at their workplaces, while emergency medical supplies—including medicines, oral rehydration salts, antivenom and equipment for providing safe drinking water—are being dispatched rapidly to affected communities.

Special healthcare operations are currently underway in Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachhari, Feni, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Chandpur, Cumilla and Brahmanbaria. A senior physician has been assigned to oversee the health response in each district, while the Ministry of Health’s control room is operating around the clock to collect field reports, assess developments and coordinate with relevant agencies.

Disaster management officials have cautioned that the situation remains volatile. Continued rainfall could raise river levels further, increase waterlogging and heighten the risk of additional landslides in hilly areas. Residents living in vulnerable locations have been urged to remain alert and move immediately to designated shelters if conditions deteriorate. Authorities say they are closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to expand relief, rescue and healthcare operations as required.