Over 500 Rohingya feared dead in shipwrecks as floods hit Bangladesh

The United Nations warned Thursday that more than 500 Rohingya refugees are feared dead after two boats sank off the coast of Myanmar, while monsoon floods in Bangladesh have affected a million people, including tens of thousands of Rohingya camp residents. The twin disasters underscore the deepening crisis for the stateless minority.

Shipwreck tragedy

Two boats carrying Rohingya refugees from Myanmar's Rakhine state went missing in late June, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNHCR. One vessel with about 250 people lost contact shortly after departure; the other, carrying 280, is believed to have sunk on July 8 near Ayeyarwady. Source: CNN No survivors have been reported. The journeys occurred outside the safe sailing season, with dangerous monsoon conditions. Source: Heraldo MX This incident follows the deadliest year on record for Rohingya sea crossings, with nearly 900 deaths in 2025. Source: El Confidencial

Floods in Bangladesh

Separately, weeks of monsoon rains have triggered severe floods and landslides in southeastern Bangladesh, affecting 1 million people, according to IOM. Among them are at least 52,000 Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar camps. Source: Infobae The Bangladeshi government reports 51 deaths and over 38,000 people in evacuation centers. More than 5,000 shelters in the camps have been damaged. Source: Infobae IOM has deployed emergency teams to distribute aid and medical support.

Broader context

The Rohingya, a Muslim minority denied citizenship in Myanmar, have faced decades of persecution. Over 1.3 million now live in Bangladesh's sprawling camps, where conditions are increasingly desperate, driving many to risk dangerous sea journeys. Source: El Confidencial The UN urges stronger preventive measures and investment in resilient infrastructure. Source: Infobae