At least 13 Rohingya refugees have died in landslides within the Cox’s Bazar camps in Bangladesh following days of intense monsoon rains. Authorities have launched emergency relocations for residents in high-risk zones, as the United Nations and local officials struggle to manage the vulnerability of the million-plus refugees living in makeshift structures on unstable, hilly terrain.
Escalating Monsoon Risks in Cox’s Bazar
Heavy rainfall in southeastern Bangladesh has triggered a series of deadly landslides across the sprawling refugee settlements. According to local fire service and civil defense officials, the most recent fatalities included five children who died Wednesday when a landslide struck an Islamic school.
Rescue operations were conducted by a combination of emergency responders and community volunteers. Jamal Hossain, a Rohingya volunteer involved in the efforts, reported that several injured individuals were transported to local medical facilities for treatment. While rescue teams have completed their initial sweeps, officials acknowledge the ongoing difficulty of confirming if additional victims remain trapped under debris in the densely populated, hilly camp areas.
Emergency Relocations and Safety Challenges
Local authorities in Cox’s Bazar have initiated a campaign to move refugees away from the most hazardous slopes. As of Thursday, over 1,000 residents had been evacuated to safer ground. Despite these efforts, officials note that many refugees are reluctant to abandon their makeshift homes, citing concerns over the security of their belongings and the lack of alternative housing options.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has warned that more rain is expected in the coming days, increasing the risk of further soil instability. The region remains particularly vulnerable due to the rapid deforestation of hillsides to create space for shelters, a practice that has significantly compromised the integrity of the ground during monsoon events.
Comparative Toll of Monsoon Weather
The recent tragedies at the Rohingya camps are part of a wider pattern of weather-related disasters across Bangladesh. According to reports from the Prothom Alo newspaper, at least 22 people have died across the country over the last three days due to landslides and structural collapses caused by the relentless downpours.
The refugee population, which fled violence in Myanmar, remains in a state of limbo as international efforts to facilitate large-scale repatriation have stalled for years. For those living in the camps, the monsoon season represents an annual cycle of displacement and physical peril, with limited infrastructure available to mitigate the impact of extreme weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar susceptible to landslides?
The camps are built on hilly terrain that was cleared of vegetation to accommodate over 1 million refugees. The lack of deep-rooted trees and the presence of poorly constructed makeshift shelters make the soil highly prone to erosion and collapse during monsoon rains.
What actions are being taken to protect the refugees?
Authorities are using loudspeakers and volunteer networks to warn residents and facilitate evacuations. Local fire services and civil defense units are coordinating rescue efforts when landslides occur, though the geography of the camps often hinders rapid access for heavy machinery.
How many people have been affected by recent weather events?
Beyond the 13 confirmed deaths within the refugee camps, at least 22 people have died across Bangladesh due to landslides and wall collapses in the last three days, according to national reporting.
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