10 dead, several injured as Cyclone 'Remal' crosses Bangladesh Coast

• Image Credit: Google

• May 27, 2024 | Pinaki Goswami

Cyclone Remal has left a trail of destruction and tragedy in its wake, impacting multiple districts across Bangladesh...

Digital Desk: Cyclone Remal, a severe storm that recently struck the Bangladesh coast, has resulted in the loss of at least 10 lives, including two women. The fatalities occurred across several upazilas, primarily due to the uprooting of trees, drowning, and wall collapses. One individual succumbed to an illness while attempting to reach a cyclone shelter. The districts of Bhola and Barisal each reported three deaths, while Satkhira, Khulna, Chittagong, and Patuakhali each recorded one fatality.

Cyclone Remal's Landfall and Subsequent Weakening

Severe Cyclone Remal made landfall between Khepupara in Bangladesh and Sagar Island in West Bengal on Monday night. The storm, which initially caused significant destruction, weakened as it moved inland, eventually downgrading to a depression. This decrease in intensity led Bangladesh's ports to lower their alert levels. Payra and Mongla maritime ports reduced their alert from Greater Danger Signal No. 10 to Local Cautionary Signal No. 3. Similarly, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar ports lowered their signals from Greater Danger Signal No. 9 to Local Cautionary Signal No. 3.

Extensive Damage and Government Response

State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohibbur Rahman confirmed the fatalities and provided a detailed report of the damage at a press briefing. Cyclone Remal caused damage to 150,457 houses, with 35,483 of them destroyed across 107 unions and 914 municipalities. Nineteen districts were severely affected by the storm, including Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Jhalakathi, Barishal, Patuakhali, Pirojpur, Barguna, Bhola, Feni, Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Chandpur, Narail, Gopalganj, Shariatpur, and Jessore.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department reported that the cyclone completed its landfall on Monday, weakening into a land depression over Bangladesh. In response to the cyclone, a total of 9,424 shelters were opened in the coastal districts, accommodating over 800,000 people. Minister Rahman emphasized that the extensive preparation by the ministry, following the prime minister’s directives, mitigated the potential for more severe damage.

Medical Aid and Financial Assistance

To address the immediate needs of the cyclone-affected population, the government has deployed 1,471 medical teams, with 1,400 actively providing treatment in the affected areas. Additionally, the government has allocated 6.85 crore Bangladeshi Taka to support the impacted communities.

Suspension of Metro Rail Operations and Election Postponements

In light of the cyclone’s impact, metro rail operations on the Agargaon-Motijheel section were suspended on Monday afternoon due to a weak signal, halting services around 5 pm. Moreover, the Bangladesh Election Commission postponed elections for 19 Upazila Parishads due to the flooding and damage caused by Cyclone Remal. This decision affects 18 coastal Upazilas and one hill Upazila. The third phase of the sixth Upazila Parishad elections, initially scheduled for Wednesday, will proceed in 90 Upazilas following the postponement.

Weather Forecast and Continuing Rain

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has indicated that the ongoing rain, a result of the weakened cyclone, will persist until Tuesday, with temperatures expected to rise gradually from Wednesday. Meteorologist Kazi Jebunnesa noted that while scattered rain would continue on Tuesday, the intensity would diminish compared to Monday's widespread downpour. The highest recorded rainfall in the 24 hours to 9 am on Monday was in Cox’s Bazar’s Kutubdia, which received 125 mm of rain. Other areas, including Chattogram, Patuakhali, Khulna, and Satkhira, also experienced significant rainfall.

Cyclone Remal has left a trail of destruction and tragedy in its wake, impacting multiple districts across Bangladesh. The prompt response by the government, including the activation of shelters and medical teams, has played a crucial role in mitigating further loss and ensuring aid reaches those in need. As the nation begins to recover, the resilience and preparedness demonstrated will be pivotal in overcoming the challenges posed by this natural disaster.