At least ten refugees were killed on Wednesday when their makeshift shelters collapsed during the most recent landslide triggered by heavy monsoon rains.

The deluge has caused widespread flash floods and landslides, severely impacting refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar.

Initial reports indicate that approximately 7,794 refugees across 33 camps have been affected. An estimated 1,191 shelters have been damaged or destroyed, along with critical infrastructure such as learning centers, health facilities, mosques, latrines, water points, and bathing cubicles.

Since early morning, partners and refugee volunteers have been assisting families in relocating to safer shelters and communal facilities until the floodwaters recede.

In coordination with the Government of Bangladesh, UN agencies and humanitarian partners have begun distributing hot meals, high-energy biscuits, and post-disaster kits. Special attention is being given to extremely vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and those living with disabilities.

In the last 24 hours alone, very heavy rainfall (≥ 89 mm) has inundated the camps, which are home to approximately 930,000 Rohingya refugees. Weather forecasts predict more heavy downpours over the next three months as the monsoon season continues.

The situation is exacerbated by the recent impact of Cyclone Remal, which displaced a large number of Bangladeshis less than a month ago. The heavy rains over the past week have led to widespread flooding across the country, compounding the challenges faced by both refugees and local communities. (ILKHA)