Bangladesh: Deadly landslides continue to claim children's lives in Cox's Bazar

Countries: Bangladesh, Myanmar Source: Plan International 9 July 2026 Plan International is responding in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, as heavy monsoon rainfall continues to trigger deadly landslides across the Rohingya camps and surrounding host communities. Since 6 July, multiple landslides have claimed the lives of Rohingya refugees and local residents, including several children, highlighting the urgent need for continued disaster preparedness and early action measures. The latest tragedy occurred on 8 July when a hillside collapsed onto a madrasa inside a Rohingya camp, reportedly killing at least 4 girls and injuring several others as children attended classes. More than 250 millimetres of rain fell within a 24-hour period, causing landslides, flooding and widespread damage to shelters across the camps. Authorities have warned that heavy rainfall is expected to continue, increasing the risk of further landslides and flash floods in one of the world’s most densely populated refugee settlements. Kabita Bose, Country Director, Plan International Bangladesh said; “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones.” “The deaths of children in deadly landslides are particularly heartbreaking. Every monsoon season brings heightened risks for Rohingya communities and host communities living on unstable hillsides and in low-lying areas.” “Children, especially girls, are among those most at risk during emergencies, facing increased threats to their safety, wellbeing, and access to essential services.” Taking action early saves lives These back-to-back tragedies highlight the importance of helping people prepare for extreme weather before it strikes. Taking action early saves lives. Early warning systems, volunteer networks, evacuation plans, safer shelters and community awareness efforts can help families get to safety before dangerous conditions become deadly. Plan International Bangladesh and its partners are supporting volunteers to share weather alerts, raise awareness door to door, identify families most at risk, and help people move to safer locations when needed. These efforts help protect lives, but continued investment in disaster preparedness and measures to help communities withstand increasingly severe weather is essential as climate-related disasters become more frequent. Our teams remain in Cox’s Bazar, working alongside partners to support those affected, monitor conditions and protect children, women and their families. With heavy rainfall expected to continue, we urge continued support for early action and disaster preparedness measures to help prevent further loss of life. Categories: Emergencies Tags: Child protection in emergencies , Climate change , Disaster relief Related pages 1000 days of war: Gaza’s children continue to pay heaviest price Today marks 1,000 days since the escalation of war across Gaza. Despite the ceasefire, children in Gaza and the West Bank continue to pay a heavy price. Read more See all news Venezuela earthquakes leave thousands of children at risk We are responding alongside partner organisations and call for the protection of children and girls to be made a priority within the humanitarian response. Read more See all news “We simply huddled together under a column" Geraldine lives in Venezuela. She shares her experience of when the earthquakes hit and the impact it is having on basic services and public healthcare. Read more See all case studies Share
2026-07-09 09:33:12