Record rainfall submerges 90% of Cox’s Bazar, 6 killed in landslides

Heavy rains and strong winds have continued for three consecutive days in Cox’s Bazar, with the Bangladesh Meteorological Department recording the highest rainfall of the year in the district. 

In the 24 hours from yesterday (12 September) afternoon to this afternoon, Cox’s Bazar received 501mm of rain, the highest single-day rainfall recorded since 2015, according to Abdul Hannan, assistant meteorologist at the Cox’s Bazar Weather Office. 

He also warned that the rain is expected to continue for several more days.

The heavy rains triggered landslides in multiple areas, killing six people. Additionally, 90% of the coastal tourist city is now waterlogged, with around 100 villages inundated. 

Major roads and about 50 smaller streets in Cox’s Bazar city are submerged, disrupting businesses and causing significant property damage. Many households have also been flooded.

In the popular tourist area of Kolatoli, all roads, adjacent beach areas, and markets are underwater. Over 500 hotels and guest houses are surrounded by floodwaters, leaving thousands of tourists stranded in their rooms.

Among the worst-affected areas are the city’s main roads, including the Bazarghata, Borobazar, and Tekpara, which have been completely submerged. At least 500,000 residents are estimated to be affected by the flooding.

Akhtar Kamal, councillor of Cox’s Bazar’s Ward 1 said, “If the heavy rainfall continues, 10,000 homes in this ward could be flooded. About 80,000 people in the area rely on daily wages.”

Osma Sarwar Tipu, councillor of ward 7, said landslides caused by hill runoff have submerged hundreds of homes and destroyed three bridges, cutting off transportation. 

“People are suffering due to the flooding,” he added.

Abul Kashem Sikder, president of the Cox’s Bazar Hotel and Motel Owners’ Association, noted, “The entire Kolatoli road and all connecting roads, as well as the beach markets, are flooded. Areas from Hotel Laboni to Sugandha are submerged.”

Six people have died in separate landslides in Cox’s Bazar Sadar upazila and the Rohingya camps of Ukhiya.

In one incident, a landslide in the Jhilongja union, Cox’s Bazar Sadar upazila, claimed the lives of three family members, including two children. 

The victims were identified as Aki Moni, 21, and her two children, Miha Jannat Naima, 5, and Latifa Islam, 1.

In the second incident, a landslide in Hakimpara Camp no-14 in Ukhiya buried three family members under the debris.

The landslide at the Ukhiya Rohingya camp killed three brothers—Abdur Rahim, Abdul Hafez, and Abdul Wahed.

Mizanur Rahman, a member of the local union parishad, said, “Around 2am last night, heavy rain caused a sudden landslide, burying the home of Mizanur Rahman’s family. Neighbours managed to rescue Mizanur alive, but his wife and children were found dead.”

Local authorities, including Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nilufa Yasmin Chowdhury, visited the landslide sites to assess the damage.

At least 80 villages in Teknaf and Ukhiya have been flooded, according to local representatives. 

Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) of Cox’s Bazar, Bibishon Kanti Dash, confirmed that families affected by the landslides in Jhilongja have been given Tk75,000 in financial assistance.

Efforts are underway to relocate residents from vulnerable hillside areas, assess the damage, and provide aid to those affected, he said.