Bangladesh Floods: Islamic Relief Launches Emergency Response
Islamic Relief is stepping up emergency aid as severe flooding has submerged entire communities in northeast Bangladesh.
UP TO DATE as of 16/7/2026
Bangladesh is facing a severe flood emergency following prolonged monsoon rains that began on 5 July 2026.
Heavy rainfall across the country, combined with upstream flows from northeastern India, has triggered widespread flooding and landslides, resulting in at least 51 reported fatalities and extensive damage to homes, infrastructure and livelihoods.
The floods have had a significant impact on already vulnerable households, particularly those dependent on agriculture, fisheries and daily wage labour.
Large areas of cropland have been inundated, livelihoods disrupted and household assets damaged or lost.
Forecasts indicating further heavy rainfall over the coming days and river levels already at critical thresholds, with significant risk of additional flooding and displacement.
Humanitarian needs are therefore expected to increase, particularly in low-lying and riverine communities.
According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC), several rivers remain above danger levels, including the Sangu, Khowai, Manu and Kushiyara rivers.
The situation remains particularly concerning in Chattogram Division, Cox’s Bazar, the hill districts and parts of Sylhet, where hundreds of thousands of people have been stranded by floodwaters.
Transport and communication networks have been severely disrupted due to washed-out roads, damaged bridges and inundated communities, complicating relief operations and limiting access to vulnerable populations.
While water levels in some northeastern rivers have begun to recede, the Surma and Kushiyara rivers are expected to continue rising, increasing flood risks in Sylhet and Sunamganj. In northern Bangladesh, the Teesta, Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers are also being closely monitored as they may approach or exceed danger levels.
Islamic Relief is closely monitoring the evolving situation and coordinating with government agencies and humanitarian partners.
Islamic Relief, which has been delivering humanitarian aid and development interventions in Bangladesh since 1991, is now responding to this latest disaster to strike the country.
As our teams continue to monitor the situation, we are preparing to distribute initial aid such as cash grants and hygiene kits. The cash grants will help displaced families buy essential items such as food, water, and shelter. Likewise, hygiene kits help prevent diseases that can quickly spread after floods.
With your support, Islamic Relief can continue to serve as a lifeline in Bangladesh and beyond.
Islamic Relief is stepping up emergency aid as severe flooding has submerged entire communities in northeast Bangladesh.
For families in Bangladesh already struggling with poverty, the winter season brings even greater challenges.
Islamic Relief is stepping up emergency aid as severe flooding has submerged entire communities in northeast Bangladesh.