Flood, landslide death toll climbs to 44, over 10 lakh people affected

Relentless monsoon rain, flash floods and landslides have triggered a worsening humanitarian crisis across seven districts of Bangladesh, with the death toll climbing to 44 and more than 10.22 lakh people affected.

According to the latest report issued by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief on July 11, at least 39 people have been injured, while 267,918 families remain stranded by floodwaters.

The worst-hit districts are Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Bandarban, Cox's Bazar, Chattogram, Moulvibazar and Habiganj, where flooding has inundated 58 upazilas, disrupting daily life and damaging homes, roads and critical infrastructure.

Although rainfall eased over the past 24 hours, authorities have warned of fresh short-term flooding in Feni, Sylhet and northern districts, particularly along the Teesta basin, due to upstream flows and continued rainfall.

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) said water levels at seven monitoring stations on the Sangu, Matamuhuri, Kushiyara, Manu and Someswari rivers remain above danger level.

More than 44,000 people in shelters

A total of 1,131 emergency shelters have been opened across the affected districts, where 44,457 people are currently taking refuge.

To support relief operations, the Disaster Management Ministry has allocated Tk 1.45 crore and 2,650 metric tonnes of rice for the seven flood-hit districts. Since July 7, district administrations nationwide have also received Tk 3.45 crore and 6,900 metric tonnes of rice for emergency response.

Despite the allocations, many flood-affected families are yet to receive relief assistance. Shortages of food, safe drinking water and essential medicines have emerged in several inundated areas, with pregnant women, children and the elderly facing heightened health and safety risks.

Authorities continue relief efforts as floodwaters persist in many low-lying areas and the threat of further flooding