Dhaka, Oct. 13 -- Relentless rain, landslides and torrents of upstream water killed at least 44 people in Bangladesh in July, affecting hundreds of thousands across 10 districts. Chattogram recorded its heaviest daily rainfall in four decades, while severe downpours left large parts of Dhaka waterlogged.

The disaster followed a deadly spell of lightning in April and May. On Apr 26 alone, 14 people died across seven districts. By Jun 4, a heatwave had spread across at least 48 districts. Flash floods, cyclones and earthquakes added to the risks.

Experts say Bangladesh has become better at reducing deaths from major cyclones and floods, but losses from other hazards are mounting. Lightning, landslides, flash floods, extreme rainfall and h...