Bangladesh: Heavy monsoon rains cause floods and landslides, killing at least 44 people

Floods and landslides caused by days of heavy monsoon rains have killed at least 44 people in southeastern Bangladesh, leaving more than a million people stranded, as authorities scrambled to deliver aid to affected communities, Reuters reported.

The Ministry of Disaster Management said today that floods in seven districts - Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Bandarbani, Rangamati, Khagrachari, Mulvibazar and Habiganj - have disrupted daily life, isolated thousands of families and cut off 267.918 households.

Power outages, damaged roads and disrupted communications have slowed rescue efforts and aid deliveries. Many residents have been unable to cook for days as water has flooded their homes, while others are facing problems after thick layers of mud covered kitchens and living quarters.

"There is still water inside our house and we have nowhere to cook. We have run out of dry food, and we spend nights in the dark with our children because there is no electricity," said Nurul Islam, a resident of one of the flooded areas in Chattogram.

Thousands of families depend on dry food - flattened rice, puffed rice or biscuits that do not require preparation - as well as emergency aid. However, destroyed roads and damaged bridges have made it difficult for aid workers to reach some of the hardest-hit communities.

Army and navy personnel are using boats to transport food, drinking water, medicine and other essential supplies to isolated communities, as authorities step up relief efforts.

"The government is doing everything possible to support flood victims. Humanitarian aid, safe drinking water and medical supplies are being distributed, and we are urging residents whose homes have been flooded to move to the nearest shelter," said Disaster Management and Relief Minister Iqbal Hussain during a visit to affected areas in Chattogram.

Heavy rains earlier this week also triggered landslides in Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, killing 16 refugees, including women and children. The camps are home to more than a million Rohingya, and makeshift shelters on steep, bare hillsides are particularly vulnerable during the monsoon season.

Bangladesh is one of the world's most disaster-prone countries, where seasonal monsoon rains regularly cause flooding, riverbank erosion and landslides. Scientists say climate change is making extreme rainfall more frequent and intense, increasing the scale and severity of such disasters.