Heavy rainfall and mountain runoff have triggered a critical flood situation and deadly landslides across several districts in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and surrounding coastal areas. The adverse weather has led to multiple fatalities, the suspension of major transport links, and the submergence of critical infrastructure.

Casualties and landslides

In Cox's Bazar and Bandarban, seven people died due to landslides following continuous heavy downpours. In the Chakaria upazila of Cox's Bazar, two children lost their lives after being buried under soil when a landslide hit their home. Simultaneously, in the Lama upazila of Bandarban, five more people, including a child, were killed in two separate landslide incidents.

In Rangamati, 60 landslides occurred over five days of relentless rain. These incidents have damaged homes and affected the Rangamati-Chittagong road. To mitigate further risk to life, authorities have opened 34 shelters, which are currently housing 4,166 residents.

Widespread flooding and infrastructure submergence

The flood situation in Satkania, Chittagong, has deteriorated rapidly. Floodwaters have entered the Satkania Police Station, the Upazila Health Complex, and various educational institutions. Significant portions of the Chittagong-Cox's Bazar highway and the Keranihat-Bandarban road are at risk of total closure as water levels approach the danger mark. In Chandanaish, the Dohazari-Lalutia road is already under approximately three feet of water, severely disrupting vehicular movement.

In Khagrachari, the road to the tourist destination Sajek remains closed for a second consecutive day. Flooding has also severed road communication with Longadu and Baghaichari. Between 15,000 and 20,000 people in Dighinala are currently waterlogged, with hundreds of homes and vast tracts of agricultural land remaining underwater.

Current Water Levels

While rainfall began to decrease slightly on Thursday (July 9) morning in some areas, the threat remains. In Rangamati’s Baghaichari, low-lying areas, including the Upazila Parishad and local colleges, remain flooded. In Khagrachari, while the Chengi River's water level has seen a slight decrease, the Myani River continues to rise, keeping residential areas like Betachari Marmapara and Bichitala submerged. Similarly, transport remains halted on the Khagrachari-Rangamati road due to flooding in the Mahalchari area.