DHAKA, July 14: At least 54 people have died and 39 others have been injured in the devastating floods triggered by heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides in seven districts across Bangladesh.
More than 155,000 families have been marooned, while the total number of affected people has risen to 609,411, according to the latest situation report released by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.
The report said the flood-affected districts are Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Bandarban, Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Moulvibazar, and Habiganj.
A total of 59 upazilas, 334 unions, and 12 municipalities have been inundated by the floods.
According to the ministry, 155,311 families remain stranded by floodwaters, while the combined impact of flooding and hill torrents has affected 609,411 people across the seven districts.
The ministry reported that of the 54 fatalities, Cox’s Bazar recorded the highest death toll with 31 deaths, followed by Chattogram with 13, Bandarban with six, Rangamati with three, and Moulvibazar with one.
Among the 39 injured, 24 are from Cox’s Bazar, 12 from Chattogram, two from Bandarban, and one from Khagrachhari.
To provide emergency shelter, the government has opened 1,042 flood shelters, where 38,422 people have taken refuge.
Leave Cancelled for Health Workers in 11 Districts
The government has cancelled all leave for doctors and healthcare workers in 11 flood-affected districts to ensure uninterrupted medical services. Medical teams have also been deployed to every affected upazila.
Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain Bakul announced the measures at a press briefing held at the Ministry of Health in the Secretariat on Monday.
“The government is giving the highest priority to ensuring healthcare services during the flood emergency,” the minister said. “Leave for doctors and healthcare workers in the affected districts has been cancelled, while essential medicines, oral saline, antivenom, and other medical supplies are being dispatched to the affected areas.”
He said special health services are currently being provided in Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachhari, Feni, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Chandpur, Cumilla, and Brahmanbaria.
A senior physician has been assigned to oversee the overall health situation in each district, while the ministry’s control room is operating round the clock to coordinate emergency response and collect information.
The minister added that the government is maintaining close coordination with deputy commissioners, civil surgeons, hospital authorities, and local administrations to monitor the situation. Special emphasis has been placed on ensuring healthcare services for pregnant women, children, and people living in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
