Image
© Johan Race
At least 23 people have died in flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains that lashed southeastern Bangladesh, officials said today.

Tens of thousands of people were marooned on higher ground as flood waters submerged areas around Cox's Bazar and the hilly district of Bandarban.

Local police official Habibur Rahman confirmed the toll to reporters after four more bodies were recovered from a river.

Bangladesh - one of the world's most densely populated countries - is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, including cyclones, droughts, floods and earthquakes.

Image
© Johan Race

Image
© Johan Race