Cox’s Bazar faces humanitarian crisis and climate shocks as Rohingya boats spark UN investigations and floods ravage southern Bangladesh.
El Niño has strengthened, with forecasters warning it will be among the strongest on record. Regions across Africa, South Asia, and the Americas face droughts, floods, and rising food prices as climate impacts intensify. Aid groups warn that vulnerable communities and smallholder farmers will bear the brunt as aid budgets tighten.
Monsoon rains have triggered floods and landslides across seven districts in Bangladesh, killing at least 51 people and affecting more than a million residents. The government has mobilised relief, safety shelters, and armed forces to deliver food, water, and medical aid while weather warnings persist.
UNHCR and IOM have voiced alarm after reports that two boats carrying more than 500 Rohingya people may have capsized off Myanmar. One vessel lost contact soon after departure; the other is believed to have sunk. Agencies warn travel outside the safe monsoon window risks deadly outcomes; thousands have died attempting similar crossings in recent years.