Heavy rain, hill runoff and landslides have killed at least 30 people across Bangladesh’s Chattogram Division, according to the latest situation report released by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief on Thursday.
The ministry said emergency cash, rice and baby food had been allocated to support people affected by the disaster. The report outlined the extent of the damage and the response measures taken by district administrations.
Cox’s Bazar recorded the highest death toll, with 19 fatalities. Five people died each in Chattogram and Bandarban, while one person was killed in Rangamati. No deaths have been reported in Khagrachhari.
A total of 1,427 shelters have been prepared across the five affected districts for people at risk from flooding and landslides. Of those, 8,340 people have taken refuge in 411 shelters in Chattogram, 1,206 people in 21 shelters in Rangamati, 1,755 people in 135 shelters in Khagrachhari and 2,173 people in 220 shelters in Bandarban. Cox’s Bazar has 640 shelters on standby, although none are currently occupied.
The ministry said emergency relief was distributed in two phases, on 7 July and 9 July. During the first phase, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban each received Tk1 million in General Relief (GR) cash and 200 tonnes of GR rice.
On 9 July, the government allocated Tk2.5 million for baby food in Chattogram, Tk2 million in Cox’s Bazar, and Tk1 million each in Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban, bringing the total allocation for baby food to Tk7.5 million.
The same day, it also approved an additional 1,150 tonnes of rice, including 300 tonnes for Chattogram, 250 tonnes for Cox’s Bazar and 200 tonnes each for Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban.
Days of heavy rainfall and runoff from surrounding hills have inundated large parts of the affected districts. Landslides have claimed lives and forced many families to remain in hazardous conditions.
District administrations have intensified emergency operations, the ministry said. Authorities are continuing public awareness campaigns and making loudspeaker announcements urging people living at the foot of hills and in other high-risk areas to move to safer locations.
According to the ministry, evacuation shelters are being supplied with safe drinking water, improved sanitation facilities and three meals a day.
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