Hammering the Rohingya Refugees with Heavy Monsoons
Over 1,400 houses inhabited by Rohingya refugees are damaged due to heavy rainfall in Bangladesh.
Just when you thought things couldn't get any worse for the Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, monsoon season strikes again. In the last two days, the refugees have faced the wrath of Mother Nature, with over 1,400 homes damaged due to heavy rainfall and dozens of landslides reported across 33 camps. Sadly, one refugee lost their life as a wall collapsed, and 11 more were struck by lightning[1][5].
Facing the Mudslide Mayhem
The humanitarian crisis deepens as floods and landslides ravage the makeshift refugee camps, leaving thousands of Rohingya families to fend for themselves under treacherous conditions. Deep-rooted slopes and temporary housing made of bamboo and tarpaulin leave these refugees vulnerable to further destruction[5]. "This is a disaster waiting to happen," said UNHCR's interim representative, Juliet Murekeyisoni[5].
Humanity's Hands are Tied
Despite the desperate need for assistance, funding shortfalls stifle the relief efforts. The UN's Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya refugee situation in Bangladesh was requesting $934.5 million[5], but only 20% of the funds were provided[5]. Similarly, UNHCR requires $383.1 million to support refugees worldwide yet has received only 30% of the needed funds[2]. This crippling funding deficit hampers the ability of humanitarian organizations to prepare for and respond effectively to disasters like the monsoons[5].
Gwyn Lewis, UN Resident Coordinator, from the Cox's Bazar camps, emotionally conveys the urgency of the situation: "Preparing for these disasters is not just essential – it is lifesaving." Alas, this year's monsoon preparedness measures could not be carried out because of the funding shortage[5].
Unrelenting Uncertainty
Thousands of newly arrived refugees, forced to flee targeted violence and persecution in Myanmar's Rakhine State, further strain an already overcrowded area[1]. As the country drenches in monsoon rains, uncertainty looms for the Rohingya community. The ongoing struggle for survival has left many questioning their future and longing for a brighter day.
[1] CNN, Al Jazeera, UNHCR[2] UNHCR Annual Report[3] IOM[4] Reuters[5] UNHCR Media Briefing
- The political landscape of the Rohingya crisis is marred by funding shortfalls, as the UN's Joint Response Plan for the situation in Bangladesh remains underfunded.
- In the realm of environmental-science and weather, the Rohingya refugees face a double burden, battling against the destructive force of monsoon season while also coping with the harsh realities of displacement.
- Despite the pervasive challenges, the entertainment industry has stepped forward to bring attention to the Rohingya plight, using news outlets to amplify their voices and rally support to mitigate the effects of climate-change on these vulnerable communities.
- As the Rohingya endure these challenging conditions, they also grapple with the challenges of history, reflecting on the targeted violence and persecution that forced them to flee their homeland in Myanmar's Rakhine State.
- The future of the Rohingya refugees remains uncertain, with ongoing weather-forecasting predictions hinting at a continuation of the monsoon rains, and the need for climate-change adaptation strategies growing more pressing by the day.
