Why is Bangladesh prone to recurring floods?

The devastating floods and landslides that struck the southeastern and northeastern regions of Bangladesh this month once again exposed this harsh reality. According to the latest available information as of 11 July 2026, the combined death toll from floods and landslides had reached approximately 44 people.
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Floods are not a new phenomenon for the people of Bangladesh. As a riverine country, seasonal flooding during the monsoon is both a natural reality and a major challenge to people's lives and livelihoods. However, in recent years, the nature and intensity of floods have changed significantly. Due to the impacts of climate change, unusually heavy rainfall, upstream water surges, and unplanned development activities, natural disasters have become more sudden and destructive than ever before.

The devastating floods and landslides that struck the southeastern and northeastern regions of Bangladesh in July 2026 once again exposed this harsh reality. According to the latest available information as of 11 July 2026, the combined death toll from floods and landslides had reached approximately 44 people. During the same period, more than one million people were stranded or affected. Thousands of families lost their homes, crops were destroyed, and normal life was severely disrupted.

Disaster Triggered by Heavy Rainfall and Hill Runoff: One of the primary causes of this year's floods was exceptionally heavy rainfall. Due to a seasonal low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, continuous torrential rain fell across southeastern Bangladesh for several days at the beginning of July. In Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, and the Chattogram Hill Tracts, heavy rainfall rapidly filled mountain rivers, streams, and reservoirs.

The situation was further aggravated by upstream flash floods. Heavy rainfall in the Indian states of Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram sent enormous volumes of water into Bangladesh's river systems. As a result, the water levels of the Sangu, Muhuri, Halda, Matamuhuri, Manu, and Khowai rivers rose sharply, inundating vast low-lying areas.

Climate change has intensified extreme weather events across the globe, and Bangladesh is no exception. Incidents of excessive rainfall, flash floods, and landslides are now occurring more frequently than in previous decades.

Human Activities Are Increasing the Damage: Besides natural factors, human activities have significantly worsened the impact of flooding. Unplanned hill cutting, deforestation, encroachment on rivers and canals, and declining navigability have obstructed the natural flow of water.

In hilly areas, uncontrolled settlements and indiscriminate hill excavation have destabilized slopes, making landslides more likely during heavy rainfall. Likewise, unplanned urbanization has blocked natural drainage systems, leading to severe waterlogging.
Unless human pressure on the environment is reduced, similar disasters are likely to become even more devastating in the future.

Chattogram Division Faces the Greatest Impact: Chattogram Division has suffered the worst damage during this year's floods. Vast areas of Satkania, Banshkhali, Lohagara, Chandanaish, Fatikchhari, Rangunia, and Hathazari in Chattogram District have been submerged.

In Cox's Bazar District, Chakaria, Pekua, Ramu, and Ukhiya experienced extensive damage from both flooding and landslides. Rising water levels in the Matamuhuri River, combined with hill runoff, severely affected numerous communities.

In Bandarban District, swelling waters of the Sangu River inundated parts of Bandarban Sadar, Lama, and Alikadam. Damage to hilly roads left many remote areas cut off from the rest of the country.

The districts of Rangamati and Khagrachhari also experienced significant losses due to flash floods and rising river levels.

Growing Concerns in the Northeastern Region: In addition to the southeastern districts, several areas in the Sylhet Division have also been affected. In Moulvibazar, rising water levels in the Manu and Dhalai rivers inundated numerous localities. In Habiganj, the Khowai River overflowed, submerging low-lying areas.

River levels are also rising in Sylhet and Sunamganj. If upstream water continues to flow into Bangladesh, additional flooding may occur in these districts.

The greatest burden of flooding has fallen upon ordinary people. Thousands of families have been forced to leave their homes and seek shelter in emergency shelters. Farmers have lost standing crops, livestock has been affected, and countless people have lost their sources of income.

Flood-affected communities are facing shortages of food, safe drinking water, and essential medicines. Power outages and damaged transportation networks have further intensified public suffering. Children, women, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses remain the most vulnerable. Therefore, alongside relief assistance, priority must be given to healthcare services, access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and disease prevention.

The Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy, local administration, and various voluntary organizations are actively engaged in rescue operations. Boats and speedboats are being used to reach isolated communities, while dry food, clean drinking water, and emergency medicines are being distributed to affected families.

However, emergency relief alone cannot resolve the crisis. Long-term recovery efforts will be necessary to rebuild damaged homes, restore agricultural production, repair transportation infrastructure, and help people regain their livelihoods.

Instead of merely responding to flood damage every year, Bangladesh must place greater emphasis on disaster preparedness. Modern river management, stronger embankments, improved drainage systems, conservation of hills and forests, and stricter regulation of settlements in high-risk areas are urgently needed.

Local disaster management committees should be strengthened and made more effective. At the same time, weather forecasts and early warning systems must be delivered promptly and efficiently to vulnerable communities.

The floods of 2026 have once again reminded us of our vulnerability. This disaster is not merely a natural calamity; it is also a test of our environmental management, development planning, and disaster preparedness. While it is impossible to stop the forces of nature, the resulting damage can be greatly minimized through proper planning and timely action. Protecting rivers, hills, and forests, constructing resilient infrastructure, and strengthening disaster management systems are essential for reducing future risks.

Although the floodwaters will eventually recede, restoring the lives of affected people will require sustained support, coordinated rehabilitation, and responsible governance. The time has come to embrace a model of development that promotes harmony with nature and helps build a safer, more resilient Bangladesh.

The writer is Founder Chairman, Jatiya Rogi Kalyan Society