Bangladesh’s coastal areas faced a tough year in 2025. Floods, low-pressure systems, and rising salinity impacted millions, leaving communities struggling without major cyclones hitting land.
In Anulia Union of Ashashuni Upazila, local residents witnessed their homes and livelihoods suffer. They now see what was labeled a “climate emergency” as a recurring cycle of loss and restoration.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) reported at least five low-pressure systems forming between May and November 2025. These systems often escalated quickly, causing storm surges, heavy rain, and unusual tides along the coast.
In late May, a significant depression hit the coast, submerging parts of Satkhira, Khulna, and other areas. Many embankments failed, causing severe flooding.
“Low-pressure systems are happening more often and are more destructive because of warming sea temperatures,” noted Prof. Ainun Nishat from BRAC University. He pointed out that while cyclones gather attention, the damage from these low-pressure systems can be just as severe. Community preparedness and proper embankment maintenance are vital.
In July, another depression caused tides to rise by three to four feet across 14 coastal districts. By October and November, coastal areas faced continuous pressure from these low-pressure formations.
Government data indicated a trend of floods shifting toward coastal regions. In early July, flash floods affected over 106 square kilometers in Feni, impacting nearly 78,000 people. Similar flooding worsened living conditions in Noakhali and Lakshmipur, with families crammed into shelters. Health officials reported spikes in waterborne diseases such as diarrhea.
In Cox’s Bazar, heavy rainfall led to landslides in Rohingya camps, damaging around 1,400 shelters, according to the UN Refugee Agency.
“This pattern of rain causing floods is consistent with climate change effects,” said a program manager with an international NGO. The coastal areas now bear the brunt of combined riverine and coastal hazards.
The year marked a significant disaster during Eid-ul-Fitr. A breached embankment in Anulia Union allowed saline water from the Kholpetua River to flood 10 villages, affecting about 10,000 people. Shrimp farmer Aktaruzzaman lost enclosures worth over Tk5,00,000 due to the flood. “We took loans that we can’t repay now,” he lamented.
Salinity intrusion also deepened, with a World Bank study warning that by 2050, excessive salinity could affect arable land in 148 upazilas, endangering food security. The Bangladesh Water Development Board reported an 8-12% rise in salinity in parts of Satkhira and Khulna from 2024 to 2025.
For fishermen, the situation was dire. Over 60 fishermen went missing along the coast from July to November due to capsizing trawlers in rough seas. “We lack insurance and safety measures,” said Sumon, a fisher leader. “Missing someone at sea plunges the family into poverty.”
Dengue fever, often linked to urban areas, spread aggressively in coastal districts, with Barguna reporting at least 53 deaths by October. Experts noted that water storage practices during salinity crises contributed to this outbreak. Dr. Tahmina Shirin from the Institute of Epidemiology stated, “Storing rainwater creates breeding sites for mosquitoes.”
Significant heat waves struck, with temperatures hitting 43°C, the highest in 20 years. The Directorate General of Health Services reported a 25% rise in heat-related illnesses compared to 2023.
International studies underline Bangladesh’s vulnerability. The Global Climate Risk Index 2025 highlights the country’s peril from climate change. The recent IPCC reports stress that low-lying areas like Bangladesh’s coast face combined risks from rising sea levels and extreme weather. The Asian Development Bank estimates climate change could cut Bangladesh’s GDP by up to 6.8% annually by 2050 without better adaptation measures.
“Urgent investment in embankment upkeep and climate-resilient jobs is critical,” Prof. Nishat emphasized. “The issue requires global commitment to reduce emissions and support vulnerable regions.”
Looking ahead, experts predict that 2026 could be even more challenging, with intensified low-pressure systems and increased salinity. Displacement rates may rise, with estimates of 200,000 to 300,000 individuals affected annually.
“Every year we rebuild, but the river returns,” reflected Rahima Begum, now living on an embankment after losing her home. “We don’t know how long we can keep starting over.”
For more on Bangladesh’s climate challenges and how to support adaptation efforts, visit the World Bank.
