Some 55 fishermen are reported missing in the Bay of Bengal while some 100,000 people are said to be marooned in villages along the coast.

Roads have been cut off due to overflowing rivers, as torrential rains hit many parts of the southern delta.

"The situation is deteriorating with rain still pouring, which caused rivers to overflow their banks," a flood relief official told reporters in the town of Cox's Bazaar.

Huts were flattened in the deluge

The main road linking the town with the port city of Chittagong, 216 km southeast of Dhaka, has been cut off.

There are also reports of houses collapsing, damage to rice crops and mudslides. Cargo handling in Chittagong port has been disrupted by heavy rain.

High winds and rough seas have caused nine boats in the Bay of Bengal to capsize and 55 of their fishermen are reported missing.

A fisherman in Cox's Bazaar said: "The choppy seas have forced many fishing boats to rush to the shore."

Officials said flooded roads have delayed relief efforts and food, medicine and drinking water are in short supply.

More rain has been forecast over the next few days as the monsoon continues.