19-month-old child drowns in floodwaters in Cox's Bazar's Pekua

A 19-month-old child drowned in floodwaters in Pekua upazila of Cox's Bazar, underscoring the continuing dangers posed by flooding despite signs of improving conditions.

The tragic incident took place on Saturday night (July 11) in the Balirpara area of Sadar Union.

The deceased was identified as Mushfiqur Rahim, son of expatriate Nasir Uddin.

According to local sources, floodwater had inundated the family's home, leaving knee-deep water inside the house and waist-deep water in the courtyard. While the child's mother was outside attending to household tasks, Mushfiqur reportedly wandered out unnoticed, fell into the floodwater and was swept away by the current.

Family members and neighbours launched a frantic search before locating the child about 120 feet from the house. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Pekua Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Rafiqul Islam confirmed the incident. He said that although the flood situation in the upazila has improved, water remains in several low-lying areas, posing ongoing risks. He urged residents to remain vigilant, particularly in households with young children.