Catastrophic Floods Impact Millions in Bangladesh

On September 6, the UN reported that catastrophic floods in Bangladesh have affected over 18 million people, severely impacting communities in Cox’s Bazar, home to nearly one million Rohingya refugees.

The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) is rapidly dispatching humanitarian aid, including medical supplies and core relief items, to address urgent needs. More than 1.2 million families are trapped as flash floods inundate vast areas of the east and southeast, causing extensive damage to roads, croplands, and fisheries.

In response to the crisis, UNHCR has provided 350,000 water purification tablets, 20,000 jerry cans, and 15,000 hygiene kits to combat waterborne diseases. Amid this turmoil, Bangladesh’s interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus emphasized the necessity for ongoing international support for Rohingya humanitarian operations and their safe return to Myanmar. UNHCR spokesperson William Spindler assured that efforts are underway to assist affected Rohingya refugees, highlighting the urgent need for safety, dignity, and rights for this vulnerable population.