By: Hafizur Rahman, Camp Correspondent
Camp 4, Cox’s Bazar (9 January 2025) – A devastating landslide struck Camp 4 today, near the border of Camp 17, Block H89, causing severe harm to a Rohingya family. The incident occurred in the early morning hours, leaving the community in shock and highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by refugees living in overcrowded camps.
The victims of the landslide included a mother and her two young children. Local residents acted swiftly to rescue them, pulling the family out from under the debris. While the children escaped with minor injuries, the mother was critically injured and rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care. Her condition remains uncertain.
This tragic event underscores the dangers posed by the unstable terrain of the camps, where makeshift shelters are constructed on precarious hillsides. Landslides, particularly during the monsoon season, have become a recurring threat to the safety and lives of the Rohingya refugees. Overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure exacerbate the risks, leaving families with little choice but to settle in hazardous areas.
Local leaders and humanitarian organizations have renewed their calls for urgent disaster-prevention measures. “This is not the first time we have faced such a disaster,” said a community volunteer. “We need stronger shelters and relocation plans to protect those living in high-risk zones.”
Aid organizations are working to provide immediate support to the affected family, including temporary shelter and medical assistance. However, the broader challenge of ensuring the safety of thousands of families in the camps remains unresolved. Many are calling for the international community to step up and address the pressing need for safer living conditions.
The landslide serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the Rohingya refugees. As natural disasters compound their already precarious existence, there is an urgent need for coordinated efforts to mitigate risks and protect vulnerable populations in the camps.
