Mongabay · Climate & nature

Rohingya Camps Face Growing Landslide Risks

Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh are increasingly vulnerable to landslides due to limited space and deforestation, forcing adaptation to precarious conditions.

Over 1.17 million refugees live in Cox's Bazar camps on cleared forest land and hill slopes, making them prone to disasters. Landscape changes for the influx have raised landslide susceptibility.

Annual monsoon rains trigger landslides. This year, over 200 occurred, killing at least 15. Further camp expansion risks more forest destruction, which Bangladesh cannot afford.

Initial 2017 influx destroyed over 1,500 hectares of forest; by 2019, over 3,230 hectares were damaged. Camp construction increases landslide and flood risks.

A 2025 study found landslide susceptibility rose significantly on mapped slopes after camp modifications.

The landscape's hills, forests, and unplanned settlements with fragile shelters, plus heavy rain, create landslide risks.

Between 2018-2025, over 3,100 landslides affected 73,000+ people. This year, 200+ landslides displaced 13,000+.

Funding shortages severely impact disaster risk management, with significant shortfalls for essential stabilization and safety programs.

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