The United Nations Refugee agency – UNHCR, says days of heavy rainfall have pelted Rohingya refugee camps in southern Bangladesh, destroying shelters and sending thousands of people to live with extended family or in communal shelters.

According to the agency, just in the 24 hours to Wednesday alone, more than 30 centimeters of rain fell on the camps in Cox’s Bazar district hosting more than 800,000 Rohinga. 

In the statement – UNHCR states that the situation is further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic as there is currently a strict national lockdown in response to rising cases across the country.

The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees said more than 12,000 refugees were affected by the heavy rainfall while an estimated 2,500 shelters have been damaged or destroyed. 

And over 5,000 refugees have temporarily been relocated to other family member’s shelters or communal facilities.

Meanwhile, six deaths have been reported at the camps, with five in a landslide caused by the rains and a child swept away by floodwaters.