Khulna District Faces Flooding Amid Monsoon Rains Disrupting Daily Life

Khulna, Bangladesh — Heavy monsoon rains have triggered widespread flooding across Khulna District, affecting thousands of residents and disrupting essential services in one of Bangladesh’s most densely populated riverine regions. The deluge, which began on June 15, has inundated low-lying areas, submerged roads, and damaged homes, prompting emergency response efforts by local authorities and humanitarian organizations.

According to the Bangladesh Water Development Board, rainfall in Khulna exceeded 250 millimeters over a 72-hour period, surpassing the average for the month of June. The Barisal and Bagerhat divisions, adjacent to Khulna, have also reported severe flooding, with rivers such as the Rupsha and the Bhairab swelling beyond their banks. In several villages, including Shatkhira and Koyra, water levels have reached chest height, forcing residents to evacuate to higher ground.

Local officials reported that over 120,000 people have been affected across 48 upazilas (sub-districts) in Khulna. At least 14 fatalities have been recorded due to drowning, electrocution, and collapsing structures. Health authorities are particularly concerned about the risk of waterborne diseases, as contaminated floodwaters have compromised drinking water sources in multiple communities.

The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society has deployed mobile medical units and distributed hygiene kits to affected areas. The government has also activated emergency shelters in schools and community centers, with over 15,000 people seeking refuge. However, logistical challenges remain, as many roads and bridges have been washed away, hampering aid delivery.

In response to the crisis, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has allocated BDT 350 million in immediate relief funds. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged provincial officials to prioritize rescue operations and ensure the safety of vulnerable populations, including the elderly and children. She emphasized the need for long-term climate resilience planning, citing the increasing frequency of extreme weather events linked to climate change.

International observers have noted that Khulna’s vulnerability to flooding is exacerbated by rising sea levels and the degradation of natural floodplains due to urbanization and agricultural expansion. Experts from the International Centre for Climate and Environment Sciences warn that without significant investment in sustainable infrastructure, similar disasters could become more common in the coming decades.

Meanwhile, farmers in the region are facing severe losses, with rice paddies and vegetable fields submerged. The Agriculture Ministry estimates that over 30,000 hectares of farmland have been damaged, threatening food security in the region and potentially affecting national rice production.

As the monsoon season continues, meteorologists predict further rainfall in the coming week, particularly in the southwest. The National Disaster Management Council has advised residents to remain vigilant, avoid flooded areas, and monitor official updates.

The situation in Khulna underscores the growing challenges faced by Bangladesh, a country ranked among the most vulnerable to climate change. With over 60% of its landmass at or below sea level, the nation continues to grapple with the intersection of environmental vulnerability and socioeconomic development.