Highlights
- In August 2023, Chattogram Division experienced the impact of devastating flash floods that left thousands without essential provisions and services such as food, clean water, functional latrines, health care and electricity. Heavy rainfall, ranging from 44 to 89 mm, led to flash floods and landslides in the Hill Tracts, especially in Bandarban Town and nearby areas. 1.3 million people including 630,000 women and 480,000 children were affected while 600,000 people were assessed to be in need humanitarian assistance in four districts (Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, and Bandarban). 51 deaths were reported including 12 children1.
- With UNICEF support, cumulatively 73 climate resilient latrines have been constructed and 203 Hygiene promotion sessions conducted where 16,717 people (7,168 female) received hygiene promotion messages through a UNICEF partner (Green Hill) in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).
- With UNICEF support, more than 158,600 (110,200 women and 463 children with disabilities) children and community members were reached with critical information and services through sporting events and hub activities via the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MoWCA) and Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS) outreaches.
- In Cox’s Bazar, Of the total of 306 Learning Centres damaged during flooding, heavy rainfall, and landslides, 124 learning centres have been repaired, and 4 Learning Centres were reconstructed. The rest of 178 Learning Centres with minor defects were repaired immediately and have been operational since early October 2023. All learning centres are now fully functional, and those have enabled approximately 20,196 learners to continue their education.
- UNICEF received US$1.5M from CERF to support the WASH response to the floods and landslides emergency in Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar. However, critical funding gaps remain across all sectors, with a HAC funding gap of US$54 M (31 per cent of funding requirements) restricting UNICEF’s ability to meet the priority needs of girls, women, and persons with disabilities across Bangladesh.
Situation in Numbers
1.3 million People (0.63 million women, 0.48 million children (0-18 yrs old)) affected
0.6 million People in need (198,000 children, 156,000 girls, 8,100 Persons with disabilities)
213,214 Estimated Temporarily Displaced
15,738 Waterpoints Damaged
112,820 Latrines Damaged
Humanitarian Situation and Needs
In August 2023, Chattogram Division experienced the impact of devastating flash floods that left thousands without essential provisions and services such as food, clean water, functional latrines, health care and electricity. Heavy rainfall, ranging from 44 to 89 mm, led to flash floods and landslides in the Hill Tracts, especially in Bandarban Town and nearby areas. 1.3 million people including 630,000 women and 480,000 children (0-19 years old) were affected while 600,000 people need humanitarian assistance in four districts (Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, and Bandarban). 51 deaths were reported including 12 children.
38 out of the division’s 51 Upazilas (sub-districts) were submerged, leading to significant destruction of public facilities and infrastructure (such as WASH facilities, roads, schools, health facilities etc) in Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, and Bandarban. Major rivers in the region were overflowing, crippling major transport routes, and resulting in the damage of up to 410 kilometres of roads. Recovery efforts are ongoing and are aimed at addressing not only the basic requirements of the affected people but also infrastructure and supplies.
Chittagong (Bandarban, Rangamati, Chattogram)
Chattogram District: A total of 843,505 people (401,959 women, 292,214 children including 7,013 CAwD) were affected by the flash floods and landslides in Chattogram City and 15 Upazilas (sub-districts) of Chattogram District, with Chandanaise, Satkania, and Bonagura Upazilas severely impacted. A total of 28,070 houses were damaged, 18,885 partially and 9,185 houses fully. The District Administration reported 16 deaths including 1 child.
Bandarban District: 62,000 people (23,677 women, 13,680 children including 589 CAwD) were impacted by the flashfloods and landslides in over 7 Upazilas. 6,579 houses were damaged (5,173 partially damaged and 1,406 fully damaged). 108 para-centers were destroyed. 10 people died due to landslides and drowning, while 4 others were injured.
Rangamati District: 30,254 people (8,954 female and 11,981 children including 161 CAwD) from 8,425 households located in 29 unions of 7 Upazilas and Rangamati Municipality were affected. Five deaths were reported, 4 of them children. The damage to school infrastructure is being repaired through the regular process by the Director of Primary Education (DPE) and Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board (CHTDB).
Khagrachari District: 15,000 people (4,439 women, 5,940 children) were affected in Khagrachari District.
