Torrential rain floods 80 villages in Cox’s Bazar, 70,000 families stranded

At least 80 villages in Ukhiya, Teknaf, and Ramu upazilas of Cox’s Bazar have been flooded due to four consecutive days of moderate to heavy rainfall, leaving nearly 70,000 families stranded.
According to local representatives and officials, 20 villages in Ukhiya, 50 in Teknaf, and 10 in Ramu are affected. Additionally, waterlogging has been reported in three Rohingya camps in Ukhiya.
The Cox’s Bazar Meteorological Office recorded 226 mm of rainfall over the past 30 hours as of noon Monday. Assistant meteorologist Md Abdul Hannan reported that 146 mm of rain fell between 6am Sunday and 6am Monday, with an additional 80 mm recorded by noon. The heavy rainfall is expected to continue for the next few days.
In Teknaf upazila alone, representatives from various unions reported that at least 50 villages are flooded, affecting over 50,000 families. In Hnila Union, 12 villages are submerged, while 8 villages in Whykong, 7 in Teknaf Municipality, 6 in Teknaf Sadar, 7 in Sabrang, and 10 in Baharchhara Union are also underwater.
Mohammad Ali, acting chairman of Hnila Union, said that more than 4,000 families in his union are waterlogged. “Roads are submerged, cutting off communication to several areas,” he added.
Former councillor of Teknaf Municipality, Abdullah Monir, said that parts of Wards 7, 8, and 9 are underwater, including roads and homes. “Teknaf College and several other educational institutions are also flooded,” he added.
Teknaf Sadar Union Chairman Ziaur Rahman confirmed that six villages in his area are currently inundated.
Local officials also reported that in Shah Porir Dwip of Sabrang Union, seven villages are flooded, along with three additional nearby villages. In Whykong Union, areas such as Lamba Bill, Ulubonia, Amtoli, Minabazar, Unchiprang, Kanchanpara, Kutubdiapara, and Roikkhyang are also affected.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Ehsan Uddin said, “Several villages have been waterlogged due to the heavy rainfall. We're closely monitoring the situation and have asked residents in landslide-prone areas to evacuate. Emergency shelters are being kept ready.”
In Ukhiya upazila, flash floods and hill runoff over the past four days have caused extensive damage. Twenty villages are underwater, with widespread crop damage, including vegetable fields, seedbeds, and betel leaf gardens. Many rural roads have become impassable.
Ukhiya UNO Mohammad Kamrul Hossain Chowdhury visited affected areas and was seen supervising efforts to clean silted-up drains for faster water drainage and to relieve waterlogging.
Local representatives said daily life has come to a standstill. Fish farms and ponds have overflowed, resulting in the loss of various fish species.
Mustak Ahmed, sub-assistant agriculture officer of the upazila, said, “This prolonged rain has destroyed many Aman seedbeds.” Areas severely affected include Rumkha Chowdhury Para, Kulal Para, Char Para, West Ratna, and Sadrikata in Ratnapalong Union; Nombori Para, Painyashia, Sonai Chhari, Rezu Mohona, Monkhaly, and Sheptakhali in Jaliapalong Union; and Tutur Beel, Pinjir Kul, Machhkaria, and Harinmara Hijulia in Rajapalong Union, among others.
On Sunday night, heavy rain caused a tree to fall on the Thaingkhali–Mosarkhola road, cutting off electricity, internet, and all modes of transportation in the area.
Ukhiya Project Implementation Officer Mohammad Kawsar Hossain said union chairmen have been instructed to prepare lists of affected areas.
In Ramu upazila, Yasmin Akter, panel chairman of Khuniapalong Union, reported that water from the swelling Reju River—now nearing danger levels—has flooded 10 villages. Seedbeds and vegetable fields have been submerged.
Meanwhile, local UP member Helal Uddin confirmed that waterlogging has also hit three Rohingya camps in the Kutupalong area.