The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has come under scrutiny after its recent heavy rainfall warnings failed to match actual weather conditions. Despite forecasts of heavy to very heavy rain across seven divisions, including Dhaka, on Tuesday, most areas experienced little to no rainfall. The department later admitted that the earlier warning was a major mistake, as the highest recorded rainfall in the country was only 36 millimeters in Gopalganj and 7 millimeters in Dhaka.

Meteorologist Tariful Newaz Kabir attributed the forecasting errors to a shortage of observation stations and technical limitations. He explained that large gaps between stations, such as the 100-kilometer distance between Rangpur and Bogura, reduce data accuracy. Additionally, three of the department’s five weather radars remain nonfunctional, with only those in Dhaka and Rangpur recently repaired. The remaining radars await restoration by JICA.

In response, the BMD issued a revised warning within 48 hours, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall in Barishal and Chattogram divisions, with potential landslides in hilly areas, particularly around Cox’s Bazar.

Severe river erosion by the Teesta has caused extensive damage in Kachharipara village of Noheli Union under Gangachara upazila in Rangpur. Over the past few days, at least eight houses have been swallowed by the river, and hundreds of bighas of cultivable land have been lost. As the water level began to recede, the erosion intensified, leaving hundreds of riverside families in fear and distress.

During a field visit on Tuesday, it was observed that the riverbank soil was collapsing rapidly under the strong current. Many families have already lost their yards, while others are dismantling their homes to save materials. Several families are now living under the open sky with minimal belongings. Local residents described losing their homes and livelihoods within moments, expressing uncertainty about where to take shelter.

Union Parishad Chairman Ashraf Ali said the situation is alarming and has been reported to the upazila administration and the Water Development Board. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Jesmin Akter stated that a list of affected families is being prepared, and coordinated measures with the Water Development Board are underway to ensure government assistance.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard seized around 30 kilograms of illegal deer meat and detained a meat trader during a special operation in the Nalian area of the Sundarbans. The operation was conducted on Monday, July 20, near Nalian Closure Para in Dacope upazila, Khulna, based on secret information. The seized meat is estimated to be worth about 66,000 taka. The information was confirmed in a press release issued on Tuesday, July 21, by Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon.

According to the Coast Guard, the confiscated deer meat and the detained individual were handed over to the Nalian Forest Patrol Station for further legal action. The press release also stated that the Coast Guard will continue its operations to protect the biodiversity and wildlife of the Sundarbans. Regular drives will be carried out to prevent wildlife killing, hunting, and trafficking.

The operation underscores the Coast Guard’s ongoing commitment to curbing illegal wildlife trade and preserving the ecological balance of the Sundarbans region.

Sitakunda in Chattogram is rapidly developing into one of Bangladesh’s most promising nature-based tourism destinations, combining hills, sea, waterfalls, and cultural heritage. Key attractions include Chandranath Hill with its temple at 1,200 feet, Guliakhali Beach surrounded by mangroves, and several waterfalls such as Khoiyachhara and Napittachhara. Tourist arrivals have increased year-round, boosting local businesses and employment.

The tourism boom has brought visible economic benefits through new hotels, restaurants, transport services, and small enterprises. Authorities have installed digital information boards with QR codes and strengthened monitoring by tourist police and the forest department. However, inadequate transport links, limited quality accommodation, and poor waste management remain major challenges. Most intercity trains do not stop at Sitakunda, forcing visitors to rely on road travel.

Local officials and tourism stakeholders emphasize the need for a coordinated master plan, improved connectivity, and eco-friendly infrastructure. They believe that with planned investment and sustainable management, Sitakunda could become a leading nature-based tourism destination in South Asia.

At least nine workers were killed and fifteen others remained trapped after a tunnel under construction for a hydropower project collapsed in Sikkim, northeastern India. The incident occurred on Monday near the Teesta River, according to officials who briefed reporters on Tuesday. Rajib Roka, director of the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority, said that between 25 and 27 people were initially trapped, and nine bodies have been recovered so far.

Preliminary reports suggest that an explosion deep inside the tunnel may have triggered the collapse, though the exact cause remains uncertain. The region has experienced continuous heavy monsoon rains in recent days, which may have contributed to the disaster. Toxic methane gas released from underground rock layers has complicated rescue efforts, allowing only teams equipped with oxygen gear to enter the tunnel.

Authorities have flown in a specialized rescue team trained for mining accidents to assist in the operation. Environmental experts have warned that rapid infrastructure development in the fragile Himalayan region increases the risk of such disasters.

The Venezuelan government announced on Monday that the death toll from last month’s twin earthquakes has risen to 5,278. The quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck the northern region of the country on June 24, severely affecting La Guaira state and areas around the capital, Caracas. The updated figures were released in the government’s latest report.

According to National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, at least 16,740 people were injured and are receiving treatment. Official data indicate that more than 850 buildings were damaged, with 190 completely destroyed. Authorities have not yet provided a confirmed number of missing persons.

More than 23,500 displaced residents have been given shelter in temporary camps set up in stadiums and public squares, where volunteers are assisting with relief distribution and basic services.

An illegal chemical factory in Keshabpur, Jashore, has been accused of severely polluting the local environment with acid and chemical waste, endangering crops, livestock, birds, plants, and public health. Residents report that the soil and water have turned reddish, and many people are suffering from skin and respiratory diseases. Sixty families from two villages have submitted a petition to the Keshabpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer demanding the closure of the factory and legal action against its owner, Ruhul Amin.

According to the complaint, Ruhul Amin established the factory three years ago in Khatiakhali village without environmental clearance, using acids and imported chemicals to color iron products. The factory lacks a waste treatment system, releasing thousands of liters of chemical-laden water into nearby fields and homes. Teachers and residents say the contamination is destroying crops and trees, while monsoon rains worsen the pollution, flooding about 20 acres of farmland.

The Upazila Nirbahi Officer confirmed receiving the complaint and stated that an investigation is underway to take legal measures against the illegal operation.

Heavy rainfall and upstream hill torrents have caused erosion at the Karatoa River embankment in Chak Rahimapur village under Sapmara Union of Gobindaganj upazila, Gaibandha. To prevent further damage, a geo bag dumping project worth 2.9 million taka has been launched, involving the placement of 8,000 geo bags. The initiative was inaugurated on Sunday afternoon by Zulfiqar Ali, Sub-Divisional Engineer of the Water Development Board, Gaibandha, under the direction of Member of Parliament Shamim Kaiser Lincoln.

The inauguration event was attended by officials from the Water Development Board, the project contractor Hasanur Rahman Chowdhury Duke, local government representatives, and residents from nearby villages. According to Engineer Zulfiqar Ali, 500 sand-filled geo bags have already been checked, marked, and prepared for placement, while the remaining bags will be dumped urgently at the erosion site to control the river’s strong current.

The project aims to stabilize the embankment and protect nearby communities from potential flooding and further erosion caused by the rising water flow.

Continuous rainfall has severely damaged the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway in Sonargaon, turning several sections into dangerous death traps. Thousands of vehicles are forced to travel through pothole-ridden stretches daily, facing high risks of accidents and increased fears of robbery, especially at night. The damaged areas extend roughly 14 kilometers from the eastern side of Kanchpur Bridge through Madanpur, Langalbandh, Mograpara intersection, and Meghna toll plaza.

Drivers report that potholes filled with rainwater make it difficult to judge their depth, leading to frequent accidents and vehicle breakdowns. Many complain that poor-quality repair work has worsened the situation. Taxi and bus drivers say nighttime driving has become particularly hazardous due to hidden holes and mechanical failures.

According to the Roads and Highways Department’s executive engineer Abdur Rahim, continuous rain and poor drainage have caused new potholes. He said repair work has already begun and, weather permitting, the road could be made safe for travel within a week.

Continuous heavy rainfall and mountain runoff have caused severe flooding in Lohagara upazila of Chattogram, damaging homes, roads, and public infrastructure. According to the upazila administration’s preliminary report, losses across 13 sectors—including housing, agriculture, fisheries, education, health, and power—amount to Tk 43.35 crore. The floods affected 23,750 families in nine unions, leaving many people stranded and homeless as water from the Tonkaboti, Dolu, and Hangor rivers inundated large areas.

The administration reported partial damage to 83 kilometers of roads, four bridges, 20 culverts, 184 hectares of cropland, and 15 kilometers of electrical lines. Relief efforts have included distribution of 1,005 packets of dry food and 50 tons of rice, while additional requests for 15 tons of rice and 1,200 bundles of tin have been made to higher authorities. Local social groups and donors have also joined the relief work.

Officials said floodwaters have started receding as rainfall subsides, and a detailed damage report has been sent to higher authorities for further action.

Continuous rainfall and upstream hill floods have caused a steady rise in the Jamuna River’s water level in Sirajganj, leading to severe erosion along riverbanks. Hundreds of residents in Shahjadpur, Kazipur, and Chowhali upazilas have lost homes and farmland as the river devours new areas daily. Low-lying and char regions are now inundated, and several educational institutions and flood centers face imminent risk.

According to the Sirajganj Water Development Board, the river has been rising since July 13, with water levels increasing by three centimeters in the last 24 hours at both the Sirajganj town protection embankment and Kazipur’s Meghaighat point. The Civil Surgeon’s Office has identified 32 of the district’s 83 unions as vulnerable and has taken health preparedness measures to address potential post-flood risks.

Local residents blame illegal sand extraction during the dry season for worsening erosion during the monsoon. Authorities are currently using sandbags to slow down the damage, but many families remain displaced and without shelter.

An illegal chemical factory in Keshabpur, Jashore, has caused severe environmental pollution, endangering crops, livestock, trees, and local biodiversity. Residents report that acid and chemical waste from the factory have turned soil and water reddish, spreading foul odors and causing skin and respiratory diseases among men, women, and children. Sixty families from two villages have petitioned the Keshabpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer to shut down the factory and take legal action against its owner, Ruhul Amin.

According to the complaint, Ruhul Amin, from Shyamkur village in Monirampur, established the factory three years ago without official approval or environmental clearance. The facility uses acids and imported chemicals to color metal products and discharges untreated waste into nearby land and water. During the monsoon, about 20 acres of farmland become flooded with chemical water, damaging crops and trees. Locals allege that Ruhul Amin has expanded his operations and amassed wealth through this illegal business.

The Upazila Nirbahi Officer confirmed receiving the complaint and stated that an investigation and legal action will follow.

Road expansion work is continuing on the Dhaka Bypass from Madanpur to Bhulta–Gausia in Narayanganj with electric poles still standing in the middle of the road. The project, part of a 48-kilometer four-lane upgrade under a 2019 public-private partnership, has left hundreds of poles in place, raising fears among drivers, passengers, and local residents about potential accidents. Despite the ongoing construction, no effective steps have been taken to remove the poles, and the situation has become a safety concern.

Local residents expressed frustration that safety issues are being ignored even as the road is being paved around the poles. Officials involved in the project said the Rural Electrification Board has been repeatedly requested to remove the poles but has not acted effectively. In response, the local electricity authority stated that delays in soil preparation by the road construction team have prevented timely removal. The project authority expects completion by December this year despite the slow progress.

The unresolved coordination between the road and electricity departments continues to delay the project and heighten safety risks for road users.

Muslim Aid UK Bangladesh Field Office has distributed emergency relief to 400 families affected by continuous rainfall, flash floods, and landslides in Lama upazila of Bandarban. The aid was provided in collaboration with Caritas Bangladesh across seven unions and one municipality. The formal distribution took place on Sunday at the Caritas Bangladesh PEP-3 project office in Madhujhiri, Lama municipality, where families received rice, salt, purified water, biscuits, and edible oil.

Local representatives and officials from both organizations attended the event, including the acting chairman of Lama Sadar Union Parishad and several project managers. Beneficiaries expressed gratitude, saying the assistance came as a major relief amid food shortages caused by the prolonged rainfall and landslides that left many people jobless.

Caritas field officer Jevers Tripura stated that supporting disaster-affected people is a humanitarian duty and that such relief efforts will continue. Locals noted that non-governmental organizations are playing a vital role alongside government initiatives in easing the suffering of affected residents.

Iran experienced another earthquake on July 20, 2026, when a magnitude 5.2 tremor struck near the Kuzaran area in the western Kermanshah province. According to the Iranian Seismological Center at Tehran University, the quake occurred at 7:13 a.m. local time (03:43 GMT). Its epicenter was located about 17 kilometers from Kuzaran and 65 kilometers from the provincial capital, Kermanshah, at a depth of 8 kilometers. No casualties or damage have been reported so far.

Earlier, on Sunday, another earthquake measuring magnitude 5 hit the Saland area of Khuzestan province in southwestern Iran. Al Jazeera reported that the quake’s epicenter was in Saland, with a depth of about 12 kilometers below the surface, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society cited by state broadcaster IRIB.

The recent tremors highlight ongoing seismic activity across multiple regions of Iran, though authorities have not yet reported any significant losses or disruptions.