Heavy Rains Trigger Deadly Landslides and Widespread Flooding Across Bangladesh

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Relentless monsoon rains have triggered severe flooding across four administrative divisions in Bangladesh, leaving hundreds of thousands of people stranded and claiming at least 30 lives in the Chittagong division due to landslides. The persistent deluge, now entering its sixth day, has severely disrupted infrastructure and paralyzed transport networks across the region.

According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the heavy rainfall is expected to continue through Sunday, with the possibility of intermittent showers extending into early next week. While an initial low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal sparked the weather event, meteorologists attribute the current intensity to a highly active monsoon trough exerting influence nationwide.

The impact has been most acute in Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Mymensingh, Netrokona, and Kishoreganj, where regions have recorded rainfall categorized as “extremely heavy.” In the 24-hour period ending Friday morning, Chittagong recorded 214 millimeters of rainfall, further exacerbating local flooding. Meteorological officials warn that the Khulna, Barishal, Chittagong, and Sylhet divisions remain at the highest risk for continued extreme downpours.

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Logistical disruptions remain significant as floodwaters and debris from landslides have forced the suspension of operations on major transit routes. Chittagong station master Abu Zafar Majumdar confirmed that rail service between Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar remains suspended as tracks remain submerged. Additionally, arterial road connections, including the Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar highway, face ongoing traffic constraints.

While some urban areas, including parts of Chittagong city, have seen a marginal improvement in waterlogging, many low-lying neighborhoods remain inundated. Meteorologist Kazi Zebunnesa noted that while the intensity of the storm may fluctuate, the wet weather pattern is likely to persist across the country until at least Monday.