Bangladesh Evacuates Rohingya Refugees After Deadly Landslides Claim 13 Lives

Authorities in Bangladesh’s Rohingya refugee camps mobilized loudspeakers, volunteers, and community leaders on Thursday to relocate residents from hazardous areas following landslides that have killed at least 13 refugees in recent days. The most devastating incident occurred on Wednesday when monsoon rains triggered a landslide at an Islamic school in Cox’s Bazar, killing five children and injuring others. Local teacher Begum Jahan recounted the chaos, stating that part of the building collapsed while students were preparing for lessons, with those on the eastern side trapped under debris.

Rescue efforts began immediately, with volunteers recovering bodies and transporting the injured to hospitals before emergency services arrived. Jamal Hossain, a Rohingya volunteer, confirmed that all victims at the school were women and girls but warned that additional bodies may still be buried. Over 1,000 refugees have been relocated from vulnerable hillside areas, though authorities noted that many resist leaving their temporary shelters despite ongoing risks.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department predicts continued rainfall, exacerbating landslide threats. Earlier in the week, separate landslides in the region killed eight people at Rohingya camps. Local media reported a total of 22 deaths nationwide from landslides and structural collapses over three days, underscoring the urgency of evacuation efforts. Bangladesh has long sought international support for repatriating Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, but progress remains stalled.