5 killed in Rohingya camp landslide

Bangladesh continued to reel under the impact of relentless monsoon rains on Wednesday as the death toll from a landslide at a Rohingya refugee camp in Cox's Bazar rose to five, while flooding, river erosion and fresh warnings of heavy rainfall heightened fears of further disasters across the country.

The latest tragedy occurred at the Kutupalong-5 Rohingya refugee camp in Ukhiya, where a rain-soaked hillside collapsed onto a madrasa in the A-3 block of the camp at around 2:30pm.

Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mohammad Mizanur Rahman said four people died on the spot, while another succumbed to injuries at hospital. The victims were identified as teacher Rashida and students Omaicha, Umme Nazat, Umme Salma and Shahida.

At least five others were injured and are undergoing treatment.

Officials said the madrasa had also been serving as a temporary shelter for refugees during the ongoing heavy rainfall. Fire Service personnel and other emergency responders launched rescue operations immediately after the collapse.

Heavy rain, flood threat loom over 18 districts

The Cox's Bazar Meteorological Office recorded 51 millimetres of rainfall between 6:00am and noon on Wednesday.

The latest fatalities came after a series of rain-related disasters in the district. On Monday, eight people died in separate landslides in the Rohingya camps, while two others were killed in landslides in Cox's Bazar town and Pekua. On Tuesday, another person died in a landslide in Cox's Bazar town. Two children, including a Rohingya child, also drowned in floodwaters.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) forecast widespread rain or thundershowers across most parts of the country through July 12, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected, particularly in Rangpur, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions.

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) said all major rivers were still flowing below danger level but warned that heavy rainfall in Bangladesh and upstream areas of India could rapidly raise river levels over the next few days, triggering flash floods in at least 18 districts.

According to the FFWC, rivers in Chattogram Division, including the Sangu, Matamuhuri, Halda, Feni, Muhuri and Gomti, may rise sharply within the next 24 to 48 hours, posing flood risks to parts of Bandarban, Cox's Bazar, Chattogram, Feni and Khagrachhari. Low-lying areas of Lakshmipur and Noakhali may also be inundated.

Flood risks have also been forecast for parts of Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Netrokona, Sherpur and Mymensingh, while the Teesta River may cross the danger level in Nilphamari and Lalmonirhat.

In Bandarban, continuous rainfall and runoff from the hills inundated low-lying areas as the Sangu, Matamuhuri and Bakkhali rivers flowed above danger level. The district recorded 309 millimetres of rainfall in the 24 hours ending Wednesday morning.

District authorities opened 220 emergency shelters, evacuated residents from vulnerable hill slopes and riverbanks, and suspended operations at all tourist destinations until July 10.

Meanwhile, severe riverbank erosion intensified along the Jamuna River in Sariakandi and Dhunat upazilas of Bogura, where more than 1,100 metres of farmland had already been washed away. The Bangladesh Water Development Board continued emergency protection work as residents feared further losses if the heavy rain persists.

Authorities have urged people living in landslide- and flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and move to safer places as adverse weather is expected to continue over the coming days.