Continuous heavy rainfall over the past few days and the surge of water flowing from upstream have flooded vast areas across Chakaria, Pekua, Matamuhuri, Ramu, Ukhiya, Teknaf and Sadar upazilas of Cox’s Bazar. Consequently, hundreds of thousands of people have become stranded by floodwaters, and normal life, including road communication, has been severely disrupted. District and local administrations have reported that at least 25 people have died so far due to landslides and drowning caused by the incessant rain.

The water level of the Matamuhuri River is flowing above the danger mark, leading to a rapid deterioration of the flood situation in the low-lying areas, according to district and local administrative data. Vast areas in the unions of Kakara, Kaiarbil, Lakhyarchar, Fashiakhali, Baraitali, Bamo-Bilchhari, Dulahazara, Saharbil and Surajpur-Manikpur in Chakaria upazila have been submerged.

Furthermore, rising water levels have accumulated on roads in the Hospital Para, Thana Centre and New Market areas of Chakaria municipality, disrupting vehicular movement.

The district administration stated that a flood control embankment in the Mehernama area of Pekua was damaged, allowing water to enter residential areas. Sadar, Shilkhali and the surrounding low-lying areas have also been flooded. Vast low-lying regions in East Barabheola, Demusia, Konakhali, Bm Char and Saharbil unions of Matamuhuri upazila have gone underwater.

Local residents complain that power connections are severed in many areas. Operations of educational institutions, markets and businesses have also been severely limited. Homes, roads and agricultural lands have been submerged, making it difficult even to cook. Many families are surviving on dry food.

On the other hand, the district administration has reported that public announcements are being made to move those living dangerously at the foot of the hills to safe shelters. A control room has been opened to address the emergency situation, and measures have been taken to open sluice gates for faster water drainage. The administration has also announced that 648 shelter centres across the district have been kept ready.

Vast agricultural lands, Aman seedbeds and shrimp enclosures have been submerged, raising fears of massive losses, residents of various areas in Chakaria and Matamuhuri reported. They could face significant financial hardship in the agricultural and fisheries sectors if the prolonged waterlogging continues.

103 millimetres of rainfall have been recorded in the last 24 hours, Assistant Meteorologist Abdul Hannan of the Cox’s Bazar Meteorological Office stated. Local Warning Signal No. 3 also remains in effect at the Cox’s Bazar seaport. He added that the rain is likely to continue in the coming days.

In total, 25 people have died in the district so far, according to district and local administrative data. Among them, 18 people were killed in a landslide at the Rohingya refugee camp. Seven others have also died in various parts of the district due to landslides, wall collapses and drowning.

On Friday afternoon, 12-year-old Hasnatul Jannat Jhorna, the daughter of Abdul Malek, died when a boat capsized while they were heading to a safe shelter in the Harbang Bridge area of Chakaria Upazila. Previously, two-year-old Wakim in Kakara union of Chakaria and three-year-old Pushpa in Konakhali union of Matamuhuri died after drowning in floodwaters caused by incessant rain and mountain runoff.

Earlier, two siblings were killed in a landslide in the early hours of the morning in the Mohsheniyakata (Doubletoli) area of Baraitali union. The victims were Towsif Miah (13) and Rumi Akhter (17). Another person was injured in the incident. Confirming the matter, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shahen Deluar stated that financial assistance has been provided to the families of the deceased.