News 17 July 2026 Heavy Monsoon Rains Hit Over 1m in Bangladesh; IOM Scales Up Emergency Response

Dhaka, 17 July 2026 - Weeks of intense rainfall, flooding and landslides in Bangladesh have triggered one of its most severe monsoon emergencies of the year. 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.

More than one million people have been affected across 10 districts, including Rohingya and Bangladeshi host communities, while continued rainfall could increase risks in the days ahead.

According to the government, 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. This emergency underscores the growing human cost of climate-related disasters and the urgent need to strengthen resilience before disasters strike," said IOM Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Iori Kato. "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."

Chattogram and Cox's Bazar, home to the world's largest and most densely populated refugee settlement, were the hardest hit districts. In Cox's Bazar's camps, heavy rain has saturated fragile hillsides, with flash floods and landslides damaging more than 5,000 shelters as well as community facilities and infrastructure. Outside camps, homes, roads, bridges, schools and other public infrastructure have been severely damaged, disrupting livelihoods and restraining access to essential services.

As Co-Chair of the Displacement Management Cluster (DMC), IOM swiftly coordinated with cluster partners to identify the needs of affected communities and develop a plan for prioritized interventions.

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. Emergency shelter assistance is being provided to households with damaged shelters, while relocation support is helping families move away from high-risk slopes and other unsafe areas.

Despite difficult conditions, IOM is maintaining essential services. Mobile medical teams and health facilities remain operational, while protection teams are providing psychological first aid and targeted assistance to children and other vulnerable people.

Bangladesh remains highly exposed to climate-related disasters. In 2025, IOM estimated that 4.96 million people were internally displaced by disasters, many for prolonged periods.

As the El Niño phenomenon intensifies this year, IOM is discussing with partners a collective approach to prevent displacement, protect displaced populations and advance durable solutions. Enhanced disaster risk reduction, resilient infrastructure and anticipatory action will be essential to protect lives and mitigate future humanitarian needs.

Cleared by Laura, Dejan, Tarek (Bangladesh), Iori, Miko (ROAP)