Army deployed in seven Ctg upazilas as flash floods leave 400,000 stranded

Nearly 4,00,000 people have been stranded by flash floods triggered by days of torrential rain and runoff from upstream hills in the country's southeastern district of Chattogram, prompting the deployment of the Bangladesh Army across seven upazilas to support rescue and relief operations.

The deployment was announced in a statement issued late Friday (July 10) by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), following an emergency request from the Chattogram district administration.

According to the ISPR, troops from the 10th Infantry Division and the 24th Infantry Division have been deployed under the "In Aid to Civil Power" framework to carry out search-and-rescue missions and deliver emergency relief to affected communities.

The statement said continuous heavy rainfall and hill runoff have caused severe flooding and waterlogging in Lohagara, Satkania, Chandanaish, and Banshkhali, leaving around 400,000 residents stranded. Specialised rescue teams from the 10th Infantry Division, equipped with emergency response gear, are conducting operations in the worst-hit areas.

Flood conditions have also deteriorated in Boalkhali, Hathazari, and Fatikchhari, where troops from the 24th Infantry Division have been deployed to strengthen rescue efforts and humanitarian assistance.

To improve coordination and speed up relief operations, the army has established three temporary camps in the flood-affected areas under the 24th Infantry Division. Troops are continuing search-and-rescue operations while working to ensure the safety of stranded residents.

The ISPR said the Bangladesh Army is operating in close coordination with the civil administration to protect lives and property during the disaster. Rescue and relief efforts will continue until the flood situation returns to normal, it added.