Bangladesh monsoon death toll hits 50, thousands displaced

Monsoon rains have unleashed devastating flash floods and landslides across Bangladesh, claiming at least 50 lives in the past week and forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes. Officials reported Sunday that the worst-affected Chattogram district alone has seen 50 fatalities, including 29 buried by mudslides.

Approximately 35,000 people have sought refuge in government-run shelters as the nation grapples with the aftermath of the extreme weather. Army and border guard personnel are engaged in rescue and relief efforts, using boats to deliver essential supplies like food and drinking water to cut-off communities in the southeastern districts.

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Two individuals are still missing.

Bangladesh, a country highly susceptible to natural disasters due to its low-lying delta geography, is experiencing a heightened risk from climate change. Scientists warn that global warming is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, making vulnerable populations more exposed to floods and landslides.

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We placed my uncle's body on a bamboo raft and swam alongside it in search of a piece of land that was not underwater. Finally, we managed to bury him on government land and held a small funeral prayer.

The crisis has led to severe shortages of food and safe drinking water. In Chattogram, the rising floodwaters submerged local cemeteries, complicating burial rituals. One resident recounted placing his uncle's body on a makeshift raft to find a dry spot for burial on government land.

Compounding the disaster, heavy rains last week triggered landslides in the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, resulting in 15 deaths. These densely populated camps, situated on hillsides cleared of trees, are particularly unstable during the monsoon season, housing over 1.2 million refugees.

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But the monsoon remains active over the northeastern and northern parts of Bangladesh, and there is a possibility of further inundation.