The monsoon season in Bangladesh marks a period of intense rains typically lasting from May through September. This year, after the influx of over 700,000 refugees into what has become the most densely populated refugee camps globally, these rains pose even greater threat. In April over 200,000 individuals were identified to be dwelling in high risk locations, susceptible to landslides flooding or waterlogging. The rains began late may, and escalated when a tropical storm hit Cox’s Bazar from June 7 to 14. Over 552 mm of rain fell. Since then, there have been regular showers. This week from July 24 to 28 rains intensified, accompanied by strong winds. On July 25 alone, 463 mm of rain fell in under 24 hours, the second highest record rainfall in a day within the district. As a result shelters and infrastructure were damaged including paths, staircases, railings, bridges, latrines, and wells throughout the camps. Erosion led to landslides increasing the scope of the damage.
Since the onset of the monsoons, Inter Sector Coordination Group reports 4,294 refugees have been displaced from their shelters while displaced another 31,400 estimated refugee shelters have sustained partial damage and flooding. Thus far, 49 refugees have been injured, and one died due to a landslide. As the muds thicken and infrastructure weakens the probability of landslides and flooding has increased, leaving pproximately 249,000 at serious risk. Within CARE’s Myanmar Refugee Response site management project in Camp 16, Potibonia, the intensity of this week’s storms have been felt. While no injuries were reported, nine shelters were destroyed requiring the families to be relocated. Additionally, 29 shelters were flooded, 74 shelters have been eroded, 13 footpaths, 8 bathing cubicles, 15 latrines, and 2 street lights were damaged. The rains have not only impacted the refugee community. The host community, often living on hill tops and in mud structures have also sustained damage. Part of one host community
home broke off during a landslide.
As the rains have eased, the CARE site management, shelter, and WASH teams have been working closely with partners to undertake the required repairs. Sandbags have been placed throughout the camp to strengthen paths and staircases. Drains have been cleared and installed to decrease water logging. New bamboo railings and bridges are being constructed to support accessibility and the lights have been fixed. Structure specific and camp wide repairs are underway to mitigate against the impacts of future storms.
1 EMERGENCY UPDATES FROM REFUGEE CAMP, CARE Bangladesh, June 26, 2018 [http://www.carebangladesh.org/media-center-viewdetails.php?type=MediaUpdates&id=17]
2 ISCG Report, MONSOON EMERGENCY RESPONSE UPDATE, July 25, 2018
All Photos: Michele Bornstein/CARE