Bangladesh: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in parts of Chattogram Division as of Aug. 8

Event

Disruptions due to flooding and landslides are ongoing across parts of Chattogram Division as of Aug. 8. Heavy rainfall in recent days associated with the current monsoon season has caused rivers in the region to overflow and triggered multiple landslides. Affected areas include Bandaran, Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, and Feni districts. The widespread flooding has made many roads impassable, including sections of the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar highway. More than 200,000 people in Cox's Bazar District and around 30,000 in Bandaran District have been stranded due to roads being cut off in the region. Authorities have reported four fatalities and six others injured due to landslides in Bandaran District; the landslides have damaged more than 700 homes. In Cox's Bazar District, officials in refugee camps have reported at least two fatalities and ten injuries, as well as more than 9,000 people affected; floodwaters have submerged at least 90 homes across other parts of the district. The army has been deployed to aid with the ongoing flood response operations.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast further adverse weather across the region; a heavy rain warning is in place across the country through at least early Aug. 9, with isolated heavy showers possibly accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds. Additional downpours will likely exacerbate the situation across the affected area, especially in areas where the ground is already saturated, and rivers are already at high levels.

Hazardous Conditions
Further heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are likely where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas.

Health
Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.

Advice

Seek updated information on weather and related disruptions, including road conditions, before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential freight delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Charge battery-powered devices if prolonged electricity outages occur.