[Correspondence] July 2026 floods in Chattogram, Bangladesh: an escalating emergency

AI Summary

Heavy monsoon rains, runoff, high tides, and embankment failures caused severe floods and landslides in southeastern Bangladesh in July 2026, affecting over 750,000 people with at least 44 deaths reported. The Chattogram district was especially hard-hit, facing widespread displacement and casualties.

Since July 5, 2026, exceptionally heavy monsoon rainfall, runoff from surrounding hills, high tides, and embankment failures have caused flash floods, prolonged waterlogging, and landslides across southeastern Bangladesh. By July 11, at least 44 people had died across seven affected districts.1 Chattogram District alone had recorded 11 deaths, 12 injuries, approximately 759 530 people affected, and 188 648 marooned families.1 Of the 44 deaths, 43 occurred across five districts within Chattogram Division, highlighting the concentration of this emergency in the southeast.