Severe flooding has hit Haluaghat upazila in Mymensingh following heavy rainfall and flash floods from the Indian Garo Hills. Rising water levels in local rivers have inundated several unions, leaving thousands of residents trapped and causing extensive damage to homes and farmland. The situation worsened after continuous overnight rain caused the Menongchari River in India to overflow into Bangladesh’s Boraghat River, breaching embankments and flooding nearby villages.

At least six villages in Gazirvita Union are reported to be underwater, with crops such as boro paddy, peanuts, maize, and other seasonal produce submerged. Farmers fear severe losses if the water does not recede soon. Residents said the water rose rapidly overnight, forcing many to move belongings to higher ground as homes were flooded and daily life disrupted.

Flood pressure is reportedly highest in Kaliyani Kanda and Boalmara areas, where roads are submerged and communication severely hampered. Attempts to reach the Haluaghat Upazila Nirbahi Officer for comment were unsuccessful.

Scientists have warned that a 'super El Niño' could develop in 2026, intensifying global heat and wildfire risks. According to data compiled by World Weather Attribution, from January to April this year, more than 150 million hectares of land have already burned worldwide, 20 percent higher than previous records. The phenomenon, which warms the surface waters of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, is expected to disrupt global weather patterns as the Northern Hemisphere enters summer.

Imperial College London wildfire expert Theodore Kipping said the wildfire season has started unusually early, with Africa losing about 85 million hectares and Asia around 44 million hectares to fires so far. He warned that the risk of wildfires could increase later this year as El Niño heightens the likelihood of heatwaves and droughts in Australia, Canada, the United States, and the Amazon rainforest.

The World Meteorological Organization stated last month that El Niño conditions are expected to begin in May, potentially bringing drought to parts of Australia, Indonesia, and South Asia, while causing floods and rising temperatures elsewhere.

A 4.6-magnitude earthquake struck Iran’s capital, Tehran, on Tuesday night, according to the country’s Seismological Center cited by state media. The quake occurred at 8:16 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located 10 kilometers below the surface. The tremor was felt in areas near the border between Tehran and Mazandaran provinces.

Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB reported that no casualties or significant damage were recorded following the quake. The event caused brief tremors but did not lead to any major disruptions in the affected areas.

Authorities have not issued any further warnings, and normal activities reportedly continued in Tehran after the quake.

NCC Bank and the Gono Unnayan Kendra (GUK) have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance climate resilience and improve living standards in the char areas of Fulchhari upazila, Gaibandha. The agreement, signed at NCC Bank’s head office, supports a two-year project titled “The Adaptive Eco Char Project: A Blueprint for Thriving Dynamic Landscapes,” to be implemented in Fazlupur and Fulchhari unions. Cultivera Limited will serve as the strategic partner, while Dahuk will handle research and evaluation.

The project aims to strengthen local communities’ capacity to adapt to climate change and ensure sustainable livelihoods. Key initiatives include establishing solar-powered digital resilience centers, providing telemedicine-based health services, installing safe water and solar power systems, promoting climate-resilient agriculture, and supporting women entrepreneurs. Thousands of families are expected to gain access to safe water, energy, and healthcare, while over 300 families will engage in income-generating activities.

NCC Bank’s managing director M. Shamsul Arefin said the initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development. GUK’s chief executive M. Abdus Salam expressed hope that the partnership would serve as a model for climate resilience in other vulnerable regions.

A canal excavation program was inaugurated in Patnitala upazila of Naogaon on Tuesday at 11 a.m. as part of Bangladesh’s nationwide ‘Canal Re-excavation Program’ initiated in March 2026. The program, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, aims to enhance agricultural production, improve irrigation, and reduce waterlogging across 54 districts through the excavation of 63 canals. The Patnitala event was inaugurated by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rifat Ara, with local officials, political representatives, and residents in attendance.

Under this project, a 1.80-kilometer canal stretching from the brickfield near Chakabdal (Kanchipukur) in Patnitala Union to the Abedia sluice gate will be re-excavated at an approved cost of 5.46 million taka, with completion expected by June 30, 2026. The initiative seeks to ensure water flow to farmland, improve monsoon drainage, and support fish cultivation and rural economic growth.

The program is modeled after the 1977 voluntary canal excavation initiative introduced by former President Ziaur Rahman and is expected to have a positive impact on rural livelihoods.

The Deputy Commissioner of Moulvibazar, Touhiduzzaman Pavel, visited the Kawadighi Haor area in Rajnagar upazila to assess the damage to Boro paddy crops and monitor government assistance activities for affected farmers. During the visit, he spoke directly with farmers to understand their current conditions, the extent of losses, and the type of support they require.

He also gathered farmers’ opinions on the causes of rising water levels, possible protective measures for crops, and strategies to reduce future losses. The Deputy Commissioner inquired whether all affected farmers were included in the official assistance list and advised those not listed to contact the respective Upazila Nirbahi Officer. Later, he inspected the Kashempur Pump House, which is responsible for maintaining water drainage in the haor, and instructed officials to strengthen the ongoing drainage operations.

Officials from the Department of Fisheries and the Department of Agricultural Extension, along with the Rajnagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer, were present during the inspection.

A resort named Mati-Ta has been built by cutting into protected hills in Bhatiari, Chattogram, allegedly destroying over five thousand trees and displacing wildlife. The resort, featuring swimming pools, artificial lakes, and multi-story buildings, is owned by Munal Mahbub and Tasnim Mahmud, daughter of former FBCCI president and Awami League-linked businessman Mahbubul Alam. Locals and environmentalists claim that the project has caused severe ecological damage and that authorities have failed to act despite legal cases filed by the Forest Department.

The Forest Department filed a case in 2021 accusing the resort of occupying 40 decimals of protected forest land and cutting 25 mature trees. Although the court accepted the charges, the resort continues to operate. Environmentalists argue that such construction violates environmental protection laws, while local residents say they have lost access to the forest and their livelihoods. The resort’s proximity to the Bangladesh Military Academy has also raised national security concerns.

Resort director Tasnim Mahmud denied all allegations, claiming the land belongs to Noorjahan Group and that a court ruling supports their ownership, though reports indicate the land was occupied before the verdict and cases remain pending.

The flood situation in Bangladesh’s northeastern haor region has improved in recent days as rainfall decreased, leading to a drop in river water levels. According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre, water in two major rivers in the region has fallen below the pre-monsoon danger level over the past 24 hours. The improvement follows several days of reduced rainfall, which allowed floodwaters in low-lying areas of Netrokona, Sunamganj, and Habiganj to recede.

However, the centre warned that this improvement may be temporary. Heavy rainfall is expected after May 15, which could cause river levels to rise again and worsen flooding. The centre’s latest bulletin reported that three rivers—the Naljur in Sunamganj, the Someshwari in Netrokona, and the Mogra in Netrokona—were still flowing above the pre-monsoon danger level at three monitoring points on Monday.

Officials noted that if rainfall increases, the region will move from pre-monsoon to monsoon flood conditions, requiring updated danger level assessments.

In an unprecedented climate event, all of the world’s top 50 hottest cities were recorded in India on April 27, according to data from air quality monitoring agency AQI. The agency reported that this was the first time in modern history such a concentration of extreme heat occurred in one country. The ranking was based on 24-hour temperature, rainfall, wind, and humidity data, showing an average high of 112.5°F (44.7°C) across the cities. Banda in Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 115.16°F (46.2°C), the highest temperature on Earth that day.

Climate historian Maximiliano Herrera described the heatwave as one of the harshest Aprils on record, breaking hundreds of temperature records. Experts warned that rising heat levels could exceed human survivability thresholds by 2050, straining India’s agriculture, economy, and health systems. Outdoor workers, children, and the elderly face the greatest health risks.

The heatwave coincides with an energy shortage worsened by reduced oil supply due to the Iran conflict. The Indian Meteorological Department cautioned that above-normal temperatures may persist, while El Niño conditions could reduce monsoon rainfall, threatening agriculture and water resources.

Prime Minister’s Adviser and BNP Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir has called on all to implement Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s directive to act firmly against those responsible for environmental destruction. He made the appeal on Monday morning while speaking as the chief guest at a food distribution event for over two hundred poor and distressed families of Rampasha Union, held at the Bishwanath Upazila Parishad auditorium with support from the United Arab Emirates.

Humayun Kabir stated that the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is sincerely working for the country’s overall development and the protection of rivers and the environment. He mentioned that major development projects have already begun across the country and that the upcoming budget will include plans to advance development in Osmaninagar, Bishwanath, and the Sylhet region.

Regarding the re-excavation of the Bashia River, Kabir said the Prime Minister remains firm on environmental protection and that the river will be freed from illegal occupation under proper supervision. Discussions with the administration and the district commissioner have already taken place, and the issue has been included in the ongoing re-excavation project fund.

Guliakhali Beach, one of Sitakunda’s main natural attractions in Chattogram, is losing its scenic charm due to encroachment, pollution and poor management. Once known for its vast green meadows and winding canals meeting the Bay of Bengal, the area is now littered with plastic waste, polythene and unplanned structures. Locals fear that without immediate action, the beach’s environment and biodiversity will face severe threats.

Residents and environmental advocates blame unplanned tourism, lack of monitoring and careless visitor behavior for the deterioration. Despite large tourist gatherings on holidays, there is no proper waste management or cleaning system. Following a recent attack on tourists, authorities conducted an eviction drive, demolishing illegal shops and temporary structures. The Sitakunda Upazila Nirbahi Officer said further steps will include setting up a tourism police camp, public toilets and seating areas.

Environmental experts and locals welcomed the eviction but stressed that long-term planning is essential to preserve the beach. They urged for strict monitoring, installation of dustbins, regular cleaning drives and awareness campaigns to protect Guliakhali’s unique natural landscape.

Researchers have warned that whale-ship collisions are becoming increasingly likely off South Africa’s coast as global shipping routes shift due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. A study presented at a recent International Whaling Commission meeting found that the country’s southwest coast, known as a key whale habitat, has also become a major alternative maritime route.

The research noted that after a British-owned vehicle carrier was hijacked near Yemen in November 2023, many international vessels began avoiding the Red Sea and rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope. Instability and blockades in the Strait of Hormuz have further pushed shipping companies to use South African waters. Researcher Els Vermeulen said there is now significant spatial overlap between whale habitats and shipping lanes, heightening collision risks.

According to AFP, between March 1 and April 24 this year, an average of 89 commercial ships passed through South African waters daily, compared with 44 during the same period in 2023. Scientists fear the increased traffic could harm marine biodiversity, posing a serious threat to slow-moving species like whales.

The rapid advancement of technology has led to a surge in electronic waste, posing a severe threat to the environment and public health. Discarded devices such as smartphones, laptops, televisions, and batteries contain toxic substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium that contaminate soil, water, and air when improperly disposed of. In Bangladesh, unregulated recycling centers in major cities often burn or dismantle old electronics in unsafe conditions, exposing workers and nearby residents to harmful fumes and pollutants.

The article highlights that both domestic and international factors are driving the rise of e-waste. Frequent device upgrades, low-quality electronics, and imports of used products from developed countries have intensified the problem. Many workers, including children, handle hazardous materials without protection, increasing health risks.

To address this crisis, the report calls for public awareness campaigns, safe disposal practices, and the establishment of modern e-waste collection and recycling systems. The government is urged to implement international-standard facilities to recover valuable materials without harming the environment.

A magnitude 5 earthquake struck Myanmar shortly after midnight on Sunday, May 10, 2026, shaking parts of neighboring Bangladesh. According to the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ), the quake occurred at 1:36 a.m. Bangladesh time, with a depth of about 10 kilometers. The epicenter was located near 20.46°N latitude and 93.94°E longitude. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the origin to be around 11 kilometers from Sidoktaya, Myanmar. No immediate reports of casualties or major damage were received.

Residents in several areas of Chattogram city reported mild tremors lasting a few seconds, prompting some to rush outdoors in fear. The quake followed another mild tremor that shook northern Bangladesh on the afternoon of May 9. That earlier quake, measuring between 4.4 and 4.5 in magnitude, had its epicenter in Bilasipara, Assam, India, and caused brief panic though no significant damage.

The shallow depth of both quakes contributed to their being felt across border regions, highlighting the region’s seismic sensitivity.

Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Md. Sarwar Alam announced that at least 50,000 people will participate in a canal excavation drive and one million trees will be planted in a single day in Sylhet. He said committees will be formed at the upazila level to decide within a week which canals will be excavated and where trees will be planted. The announcement came during a meeting on implementing the Prime Minister’s priority project for nationwide canal excavation and tree plantation, held at the Sylhet Deputy Commissioner’s office.

Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury, who attended as chief guest, said the initiative is part of the government’s commitment to public welfare and election pledges. He emphasized that public awareness and collective participation are essential for full success and called for turning the program into a social movement. Other speakers included Member of Parliament M.A. Malik and Mufti Abul Hasan.

The nationwide program, launched on March 16, 2026, aims to improve irrigation, control floods, reduce waterlogging, and restore water bodies. Under the plan, about 20,000 kilometers of canals will be excavated or re-excavated over five years with coordination among four government agencies.