Weeks of intense rainfall, flooding and landslides in Bangladesh, Mover over one million people have been affected across 10 districts, including Rohingya and Bangladeshi host communities,
As humanitarian needs mount, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is scaling up life-saving assistance while renewing its call for sustained international support to help communities withstand climate-related shocks that have triggered one of its most severe monsoon emergencies of the year.
Government report stated that 51 people have died across the country as of 12 July, while more than 38,400 people are sheltering in over 1,000 evacuation centres. Among those affected are more than 52,000 Rohingya and over 13,000 persons with disabilities.
“Families have lost homes, livelihoods and loved ones. IOM is working closely with the Government of Bangladesh and humanitarian partners to deliver life-saving assistance, support recovery and help communities prepare for increasingly frequent and intense climate shocks,” said IOM Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Iori Kato.
Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar, home to the world’s largest and most densely populated refugee settlement, were the hardest hit districts.
In coordination with the Government of Bangladesh, the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner, district authorities and humanitarian partners, IOM has deployed emergency teams across affected areas maintaining essential services.
Over 500 Feared Dead
IOM and the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR are deeply concerned by reports that two boats carrying more than 500 people may have capsized off the coast of Myanmar in recent days.
According to preliminary information, the two vessels departed from Myanmar’s Rakhine State in late June carrying mostly Rohingya passengers, reportedly including some who had travelled from refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.
One boat, believed to have been carrying around 250 people, lost contact shortly after departure. A second boat, reportedly carrying some 280 people, is believed to have sunk off Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady coast on 8 July.
While the incidents and casualty figures have yet to be officially confirmed, UNHCR and IOM are gravely concerned by the potentially devastating loss of life.
If verified, this tragedy would add to the nearly 300 people reported to be missing or to have lost their lives in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal so far this year, including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals.
UNHCR and IOM are working with national authorities to strengthen protection and solutions for refugees, migrants, and stateless people moving along key routes, including in South and South-East Asia.
This route-based approach aims to save lives, protect people and reduce harm, and support States in effectively managing mixed movements.
