Massive Flooding Displaces Over a Million in Bangladesh
Continuous heavy rainfall over the past week has triggered severe flooding across Bangladesh, affecting more than one million people. The deluge has caused widespread waterlogging, landslides, and disruption to daily life, with at least 45 fatalities reported due to landslides and flood-related incidents, according to local authorities.
Major Cities and Regions Under Water
The capital Dhaka, along with the port city of Chittagong, the hill tracts, and the coastal district of Cox's Bazar, have experienced the worst flooding. Roads and rail links to Cox's Bazar have been cut off, stranding residents and disrupting supply chains. In Dhaka, all schools were ordered closed from the night of July 11 as water levels rose. The northern districts of the country are also grappling with severe inundation.
Seven major rivers across Bangladesh are flowing above their danger marks, exacerbating the flood situation. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has warned of more rain in the coming days, raising concerns about further escalation.
Residents Share Harrowing Experiences
An office-goer in Dhaka's Rajarbag area described her struggle to reach work. "I left my car behind—I usually travel by car. My office is in Fakirapool. The office owner called and said that water had entered the office. There is a lot of furniture there, so I have to go myself. Also, a delivery letter is arriving today from Saudi Arabia, and an Arabic speaker will be coming. Because of this, it is mandatory for me to go," she told ANI while sitting on a rickshaw moving through two feet of water.
Another woman expressed gratitude to her rickshaw puller: "We are in a lot of trouble, as you can see. We are facing a lot of difficulties. This rickshaw puller uncle... he looked after us so carefully, taking us through the road just like a daughter, navigating through all the broken and flooded spots. A big thank you to him."
A rickshaw puller shared his plight: "I am pulling this rickshaw while completely drenched in this rain. The water is chest-high. Even so, we are working hard through all these difficulties to run our households. We are earning an income this way. In this rain, whatever provision Allah gives us, our livelihood runs on that."
Education Disrupted Across the Country
Schools and educational institutions have been severely affected. A student lamented, "One big problem is that our whole country, Bangladesh, is practically drowning. Look, everything is underwater here. Buses, schools—everything is closed today. There was supposed to be a school exam today, but the exam won't happen anymore."
Another student added, "I worked so hard and went through so much trouble in this heavy rain just to go to school. But now there are no exams or anything happening at school. They are saying that schools will resume after another week."
Army Deployed for Relief Operations
The Bangladesh Army has been deployed under 'In Aid to Civil Power' to assist civil administration in tackling the sudden flood situation, particularly in Chittagong district. The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the deployment in a statement on July 12, noting that troops are helping with evacuation, relief distribution, and restoration of essential services.
