Full Breakdown
Monsoon Landslides Kill Eight Rohingya Refugees in Cox’s Bazar
7/6/2026, 10:17:10 PM
Event Overview
Monsoon rain on the night of 5–6 July 2026 triggered landslides at four sites in the Rohingya camps of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Eight Rohingya refugees—including five children—and a Bangladeshi resident died; several others were injured as mud and debris buried makeshift shelters while families slept.
Background & Context
More than 1.2 million Rohingya have lived in Cox’s Bazar since fleeing a 2017 military crackdown in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Camps consist of bamboo-frame shelters on steep, deforested hillsides, making them highly susceptible to landslides and flash floods.
Timeline & Data
Landslides struck Camp-15 (Jamtoli) at 01:30, killing Mohammad Kamal Hossain, his wife Humaira Begum and son Mohammad Anas; Kutupalong Camp-7 at 02:00, burying seven-year-old Ekram; Balukhali Camp-11 at 03:30, killing Umme Habiba (27), sister Tanjina Akter (13), Mohammad Rihan (5) and Harunur Rashid (3); and a hillside in Chhattar Ghona, Cox’s Bazar city, killing resident Ali Akbar. Rainfall exceeded 100 mm in the previous 24 hours, with some reports over 150 mm. The Meteorological Department warned of heavy rain for the next two days, and about 20,000 Rohingya have been relocated from high-risk slopes.
Official Statements & Key Figures
Police officer Tumpa Das confirmed eight deaths and warned that ongoing rain sustains landslide risk. Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mohammed Mizanur Rahman said roughly 20,000 refugees have been moved to safer shelters and coordination with development partners continues. Ukhiya police chief Mujibur Rahman reiterated the casualty figures. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Panna Akter announced loudspeaker alerts to evacuate residents from vulnerable hillsides. Assistant Meteorologist Md Abdul Hannan projected further heavy rainfall, prompting authorities to keep evacuation and border monitoring active.
Criticism & Opposition
Humanitarian groups have warned that overcrowding and fragile housing amplify disaster risk. Rohingya resident Jafar Alam emphasized that landslides remain one of the greatest threats during the monsoon, calling for stronger protection measures beyond ad-hoc evacuations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The Business Times reported nine deaths (including eight Rohingya), while other outlets cite eight Rohingya plus one Bangladeshi resident, totaling nine. Sources differ on whether four or three camp sites were affected, and precise injury numbers remain unspecified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Eight people have died in landslides caused by heavy rain,” — Tumpa Das, police official
- “We’re moving people out of high-risk areas as quickly as possible to prevent any more casualties,” — Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner
- “Eight Rohingya, including women and children were killed in separate landslides in Cox's Bazar Rohingya camps early Monday due to heavy rains,” — Mujibur Rahman, officer-in-charge, Ukhiya police station
- “Rohingya refugee Jafar Alam said landslides remain one of the greatest threats during the monsoon season, as thousands of shelters built on fragile, cut hillsides become highly vulnerable after prolonged rainfall.” — Jafar Alam, Rohingya refugee
What’s Next
Meteorologists expect heavy rain for two more days, maintaining landslide risk. Authorities will expand evacuations to additional high-risk zones, keep loudspeaker alerts, and maintain border monitoring as fighting in Myanmar’s Rakhine State could trigger a new refugee influx.
