10 upazilas of Cox's Bazar flooded due to incessant rain

At least 25 unions of 10 upazilas of Cox's Bazar have been flooded due to continuous heavy rain, hill streams and tidal water. 

Thousands of people have been stranded due to water rising in houses and roads in different areas of the district. 

Amid the disaster, a woman named Nasima Akhter (35) died in a landslide in the Dariyanagar area of Cox's Bazar Sadar Upazila on Tuesday. 

With this, the death toll in landslides in the district has increased to 11 in the last three days.

Boat traffic suspended on Teknaf-St Martin route for five days

Due to continuous adverse weather, passenger boat traffic on the Teknaf-St. Martin waterway has been suspended for five consecutive days. This has led to a shortage of daily necessities in St. Martin. On the other hand, more than a hundred passengers are stranded in Teknaf, unable to go to the island.

Local public representatives said that water has entered the homes of at least 800 families in Teknaf Municipality and Sadar, Sabrang, Hnila and Hoykyong unions. 

At the same time, about 700 shelters in Leda, Jadimura and Alikhali Rohingya camps have also been flooded. 

In total, the number of affected houses is about 2,000.

Heavy rain causes widespread waterlogging in Teknaf

Continuous rain from Tuesday morning to afternoon caused waterlogging in various areas of Teknaf. Water entered many houses. However, there were no new reports of loss of life in the upazila till the latest reports.

Amin Hossain, a resident of Teknaf Sadar Union, said, “Water has entered the house and everything has been submerged. I have been eating only fried-rice since morning. Many families in the vicinity are in the same situation. The water is not draining as the canals are brimmed with water.”

Acting Chairman of Hnila Union Parishad Md. Ali said that at least 400 houses in the union have been flooded due to heavy rain. Roads have been damaged. More than a hundred mud houses have been partially or completely destroyed.

Island residents fear food crisis as supplies cut off

St. Martin resident Md. Joynal Abedin said, “Due to the closure of boat traffic for a few days, essential goods cannot be brought from Teknaf. The prices of many goods have already increased and there is a crisis.”

Another resident of the island, Nurul Alam, said that they have been stuck in Teknaf for a few days due to the adverse weather. It has also become difficult to find out about their family members.

Acting Chairman of St. Martin Union Parishad, Faizul Islam, said, “The boat connection between Teknaf and the island has been closed for five consecutive days. There are no signs of a quick improvement in the situation. This has created fears of a food crisis.”

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) SM Anik Chowdhury said, “Heavy rains have caused waterlogging in various areas. People in vulnerable areas have been asked to move to safer places. Shelters have been prepared. The situation on the island is also being monitored around the clock.”

Flooding hits multiple unions in Ramu and other upazilas

Meanwhile, various areas of Gorjania, Kachchhpia and Kawarkhop unions in Ramu upazila have been flooded. Chakaria, Pekua, Maheshkhali, Eidgaon and various low-lying areas of Cox's Bazar Sadar Upazila have also been submerged in water.

The Cox's Bazar Municipality's hotel-motel zone, Kalatali, Sugandha, Bazarghata, Kalur shops, Taraboniachhara, bus terminal and roads adjacent to the BGB camp have been waterlogged. This has increased the suffering of local residents and tourists.

An electric pole collapsed in the area adjacent to Hajibazar Mosque in Toitong Union of Pekua, cutting off power to the entire area. This is disrupting public life and traffic.

Woman killed in fresh landslide in Cox's Bazar sadar

Nasima Akhter died in a landslide in the Dariyanagar area of Cox's Bazar Sadar Upazila on Tuesday afternoon. Her husband Jasim Uddin and a child member of the family were injured during this time.

The deceased's brother Monir Hossain said that their house was at the foot of the hill. Suddenly, the soil of the hill collapsed and fell on the house during the continuous rain. The three injured were taken to Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital, where doctors declared Nasima dead. The seriously injured Jasim Uddin was sent to Chattogram Medical College Hospital.

Earlier, 10 people, including women and children, died in a landslide at the Rohingya refugee camps in Ukhiya on Sunday and Monday.

UNHCR reports significant impact on Rohingya camps

The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said that at least 10 people were killed and 10 others were injured in heavy rains, flash floods and landslides in the Rohingya camp in Cox's Bazar between July 4 and 7. A total of 15,813 people were affected and 3,182 were displaced. A total of 1,624 shelters were damaged. The agency has issued a new flood and landslide risk warning as heavy rains continue in the next 48 hours.

Assistant Meteorologist at the Cox's Bazar Meteorological Office Md. Abdul Hannan said that heavy rains are occurring in coastal areas including Cox's Bazar due to the influence of a low pressure and active monsoon winds in the Bay of Bengal. This situation may continue for the next three days.

Deputy Commissioner Md. Abdul Mannan said, an emergency meeting has been held with all the departments concerned to deal with the disaster. The administration is working to evacuate people at risk of landslides to safe places. Necessary action will be taken if anyone stays in risky areas by disobeying the instructions.