Heavy rains and flash floods in Bangladesh have resulted in at least 51 deaths and affected over one million people in recent days. Thousands have lost their homes due to floods and landslides that have impacted large areas of the country, including the capital, Dhaka.
More than half of the reported deaths occurred in Cox's Bazar, a district housing a significant Rohingya refugee population. Last week, the district reported that several students and a teacher died when floodwaters inundated their school.
Bangladesh, a low-lying nation crisscrossed by rivers, frequently experiences heavy rainfall and flooding during its annual monsoon season. However, experts indicate that climate change is exacerbating rainfall intensity and frequency.
The heavy rainfall began over a week ago. As the intensity increased in recent days, authorities issued flood and landslide warnings, relocated families from high-risk zones, and postponed student examinations. Thousands are currently residing in government shelters.
As of Sunday, authorities reported that over one million people have been affected by the adverse weather. Of the 51 deaths, 28 were recorded in Cox's Bazar, which hosts the world's largest refugee settlement, home to over a million Rohingya.
