Bangladesh – Rohingya Refugee Shelters Destroyed After Heavy Monsoon Rain

by in Asia, News

Heavy monsoon rainfall in south-eastern Bangladesh has caused landslides and flooding in refugee settlements in Cox’s Bazar (Chittagong Division) where more than 900,000 Rohingya refugees live.

According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), an estimated 350mm of rain fell in 72 hours from Monday 03 July, 2019.

The rain caused 26 landslides in settlement areas, destroyed 273 shelters and injured 11 people. UNHCR has temporarily relocated 2,137 people, either because their shelters suffered substantial damage or as a precaution. More heavy downpours are expected throughout next week.

Heavy rain has affected other areas of south-eastern Bangladesh. Figures from Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre of Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) show that Teknaf Upazila, the southernmost point in mainland Bangladesh situated close to the Myanmar border, recorded 753.60 mm of rain from 01 to 08 July, 2019. The July average for Teknaf is 318.00 mm.

Around 100km further north, the town of Lama in Bandarban District saw 209mm of rain in 24 hours to 08 July. Lama has now recorded 565.60mm of rain so far this month. A normal July would see around 769mm of rain.

Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre reports that the Sangu River at Dohazari was above warning level at 6.30 metres and rising as of 08 July, 2019. Danger level at this point is 7 metres.

Also in Chittagong Division, the Halda river at Narayanhat was above warning level, standing at 14.25 metres, where danger level is 15.25 metes.

Sangu River at Dohazari Bangladesh, July 2019. Image: Bangladesh Flood Forecasting Centre
Halda river at Narayanhat, Bangladesh, July 2019. Image: Bangladesh Flood Forecasting Centre

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