Rainfalls Situation Report: Impact of Continuous Heavy Rainfall on Rohingya Refugee Camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.

Author: Mohammed Siraj

Data collectors: Mohammed Amin & Nurul Amin

Date of Report: 3 June 2025

Location: Cox’s Bazar

Rainfalls Situation Report: Impact of Continuous Heavy Rainfall on Rohingya Refugee Camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

Executive Summary

Between 29 May and 2 June 2025, unstoppable and heavy rainfalls caused severe destruction and widespread humanitarian distress  in all thirty three Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar specially affected Kutupalong , Balukhal and Thainkhali. According to the  reports,  from Site Management Support Volunteers that Balukhali, Chakmarkul, Camp 1W, Camp 2W, Camp 3, Camp 8W, Camp 22, Camp 13, Camp 16, Camp 20, Camp 24, and Camp 26 were also hugely impacted.  Due to floods, landslides, and prolonged rainfall,  thousands of shelters were damaged, and essential infrastructure collapsed  .Displaced individuals sought accomodation in learning centers, mosques, , relatives’ shelters and nearby shelters due to the lack of formal emergency shelters.

 Situation Overview

The continuous downpour has profoundly intensified vulnerabilities within the refugee camps since 29 May . Rohingya refugees built these shelters with bamboo and tarpaulin that partially got from NGOs and the rest they managed them. These shelters are situated on unstable structure, proved ill-equipped andlandslide-prone slopes to withstand the rainfall. Because of poor drainage, steep terrain, and lack of resilient infrastructure exacerbated the natural disaster. In Camp 7 alone, hundreds of families were directly affected. Similar conditions were reported from Camps 13, 16, 24, and 26.

 Impacts in Other Camps

Camp 13 ( according to Mohammed Faruk): 59 shelters damaged; 17 landslides; 1 pathway damaged
Camp 16 – Shofiullahkata (according to Mohammed Shorif): 36 shelters damaged by landslides; 63 flooded; 22 toilets and 24 bathrooms damaged; 18 stairways damaged
Camp 24 (according to Maung Hla): 20 shelters flooded; 29 shelters damaged
Camp 26: 10 shelters damaged; 2 households relocated.

  Current Conditions

The camps remain waterlogged, and many areas are inaccessible due to blocked roads and landslides. While no flood or landslide fatalities have been reported in Camp 7, one person died and eleven were injured from lightning strikes (UNHCR, 2025).

Emergency Response and Relief Measures

Food: WFP provides hot meals twice daily.
Medicine: Only basic supplies are available.
Shelter: Displaced people are staying in learning centers and mosques.
Volunteers: Refugee volunteers assist in evacuations and relocations.

Identified Gaps and Urgent Needs

– Cyclone- and flood-resilient shelters
– Emergency food and clean water
– Medical and sanitation supplies
– Road and pathway restoration
– Psychosocial support services

Weather Outlook

Rainfall reduced on 2 June, but forecasts indicate more heavy rain in the coming days, heightening risks of additional floods and landslides.

 Conclusion and Call to Action

With over 1,400 shelters damaged and 53 landslides reported in just two days, the dire situation in Cox’s Bazar requires immediate international attention. The humanitarian response is severely underfunded, with only 20% of the USD 934 million target for 2025 received. Urgent international action is critical now (UNHCR,2025).

 Reference

UNHCR. (2025, June 2). Heavy monsoon rains highlight once again the critical needs of Rohingya refugees [Press release]. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. https://data.unhcr.org/en/documents/details/116691

Author: Mohammed Siraj