Flash floods and landslides in Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Bandarban; tourists evacuated and travel restrictions lifted in Sajek Valley
Continuous heavy rainfall from July 5 to July 16, 2026, caused severe flash floods and landslides in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region. The events resulted in one death in Baghaichhari, 840 displaced people, 800 affected people, and the evacuation of 600 tourists stranded in Sajek. Travel restrictions for Sajek Valley were officially lifted on July 16, 2026. The Bangladesh Army and other local agencies led rescue and relief efforts amid concerns regarding humanitarian support and budgetary allocations.
Hazard specifics
Flood category
Flash Flood
River
Maini, Chengi
Duration (days)
3
Trigger / cause
Continuous heavy rainfall and flash floods
Affected scope
2 Records| Scope | Source wording |
|---|---|
| 3 · district | রাঙামাটি, খাগড়াছড়ি ও বান্দরবান জেলা |
| neighborhood | খাগড়াছড়ি-দীঘিনালা-সাজেক সড়ক |
3 · district
রাঙামাটি, খাগড়াছড়ি ও বান্দরবান জেলাneighborhood
খাগড়াছড়ি-দীঘিনালা-সাজেক সড়কInvolved entities
5 RecordsKhagrachhari-Dighinala-Sajek road infrastructure
Dighinala power substation
Emergency shelters
Bangladesh Army
Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs
Agencies deployed
Local Administration
District or Upazila level government authorities
Preparation and opening of 204 emergency shelters, coordination with the Sajek Cottage Owners Association, imposition of a temporary travel ban, and subsequent lifting of restrictions on July 16, 2026.
Shelters opened: 204
Fire Service and Civil Defence
First responder for fire, rescue, and medical emergencies
Field deployment to assist with evacuation and disaster mitigation.
Bangladesh Army
National military force for land-based operations and disaster response
Monitoring the situation and coordinating a special escort to evacuate tourists; successfully transported stranded tourists across submerged road sections using security convoys and distributing relief items.
Bangladesh Police
Law enforcement agency maintaining public order and security
Assisted in the evacuation of stranded tourists using boats and rafts.