UKHIA, JUNE 03 (V7N) – Heavy monsoon rains have triggered significant humanitarian challenges in the Rohingya refugee camps of Ukhia-Teknaf, Cox's Bazar, resulting in 53 landslides across 33 camps, the tragic death of one Myanmar citizen, and injuries to two others. Additionally, 11 people sustained injuries from lightning strikes. The downpour and associated events have damaged approximately 1,500 makeshift shelters.

Mosharraf Hossain, Communications Assistant at UNHCR Sub-Office Cox's Bazar, confirmed these figures on Monday evening, June 2. He stated that the heavy rains, which began this weekend, have severely impacted the overcrowded camps, damaging thousands of Rohingya refugees' temporary homes. Strong winds have further weakened shelters constructed from bamboo and tarpaulin.

Juliette Murekesni, UNHCR’s interim representative, highlighted the perilous conditions: "The combination of steep slopes, flooding and makeshift shelters has created a dangerous situation in this densely populated area, and strong winds have further weakened the houses made of bamboo and tarpaulin."

Refugee volunteers are actively assisting affected families in relocating to safer areas and communal centers. However, Murekesni emphasized the critical need for more shelter space, especially as thousands of newly arrived Rohingya, fleeing targeted violence and killings in Myanmar's Rakhine state, have sought refuge in recent months, often staying with relatives in already crowded homes.

With the monsoon season expected to last from late May to August, humanitarian agencies are undertaking preparedness measures, including stockpiling relief supplies such as tarpaulins, ropes, sleeping mats, water purification tablets, and jerrycans. Rohingya volunteers, trained in first aid and rescue operations, are on standby to assist with evacuations, relief distribution, and medical aid during disasters.

However, a major funding crisis is severely hindering these preparedness efforts. UN Resident Coordinator Gwen Lewis, speaking from the Cox's Bazar camp, stressed the urgency: "Rohingya refugees and the surrounding Bangladeshi population alike live in an area that is constantly at risk of floods, landslides, cyclones and other natural disasters. Preparing for these disasters is not only important, it is life-saving." Lewis noted that while monsoon preparations typically commence before May, this year, critical measures could not be fully implemented due to insufficient funds.

Humanitarian agencies have appealed for $934 million in funding to assist approximately 1.48 million people in 2025, encompassing both Rohingya refugees and the neighboring Bangladeshi host communities. Lewis expressed concern that despite reaching the halfway point of the year, the joint response plan remains critically underfunded, with less than 20 percent of the requested funds received. "We will work on a priority basis. But we cannot neglect the Rohingya refugees in these difficult times. We urgently appeal to donors to come forward to help this distressed population generously," she urged.

Meanwhile, the continuous rains since last Thursday have caused extensive damage within the camps. On Sunday, June 1, around 9 PM, five members of the same family in Block-8 of Rohingya Camp No. 20 were seriously injured by a lightning strike. The injured were identified as Anwar Begum (47), Ziaur Rahman (21), Ayesha Bibi (15), Sonaullah (28), and Husne Ara (24). Locals rescued them and admitted them to the hospital run by NGO Friendship in Camp-20. The names and addresses of other injured individuals could not be immediately ascertained.

Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner, stated that the continuous rain has created a "humanitarian crisis" in the Rohingya camps, underscoring the severe impact on the vulnerable population.

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