Continuous heavy rainfall over the past week has inundated more than 50 villages across Cox’s Bazar, leaving thousands of families stranded in waterlogged homes and triggering widespread disruption.
Many homes in these villages have been damaged by rainwater and flash floods from nearby hills, affecting hundreds of thousands of residents. The Meteorological Department has warned that if the rain continues, the risk of landslides in the hilly areas will increase.
In the town’s tourism hub, Kalatali Main Road in the hotel-motel zone has been submerged, causing severe traffic disruptions and creating difficulties for tourists visiting Cox’s Bazar.
Beyond the tourism belt, heavy rain has led to severe waterlogging in parts of Ukhiya, Teknaf, Chakaria, and other upazilas across the district. Roads and alleys remain under water, disrupting vehicular movement, while the sea remains rough under stormy conditions.
Abdul Hannan, a meteorologist at the Cox’s Bazar weather office, reported that the district recorded 179 millimeters of rainfall between 6 am and 6 pm on Monday. He added that the sea remains highly turbulent, and landslide risks persist, prompting authorities to advise residents living on vulnerable hillsides to move to safer locations. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue in the coming days.
Meanwhile, at least 60,000 families across 50 villages in Ukhiya and Teknaf upazilas have been stranded due to persistent flooding, according to local representatives. Of these, 10 villages are in Ukhiya and 40 in Teknaf, with reports indicating that three Rohingya camps in Ukhiya have also experienced waterlogging.
Meanwhile, Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Salahuddin visited areas in Teknaf upazila affected by heavy rainfall. During the visit, emergency relief was distributed among stranded families in Shah Porir Dwip’s Majher Para area.
Additionally, in various unions of Teknaf and Ukhiya upazilas, local union councils have distributed food to families stranded by the flooding.
With the risk of landslides looming, Maimuna Government Primary School has been designated as a temporary shelter. Authorities reported that over 500 people have taken refuge there for safety.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Collected
