Cyclone Remal has left a trail of destruction in the coastal regions of Bangladesh. At least 13 people died in the cyclone, most of them crushed under fallen houses or collapsed walls or trees. The storm has destroyed over 30,000 thatched homes and over 150,000 damaged in Khulna, Barisal and Chattogram Divisions of Bangladesh. The storm has seriously affected more than 37 lakh people.
According to Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD)’s special weather bulletin on Tuesday, the land depression over Sylhet and surrounding areas is currently weakening and is expected to move North-Eastwards, gradually losing strength.
Sylhet is at high risk of flooding due to water runoff from nearby hills in Meghalaya, inflow from upstream catchments, and locally heavy rainfall intensified by the impact of Cyclone Remal, said the Met officials.
Severe Cyclone Remal made landfall between Khepupara and West Bengal’s Sagar Island on Sunday night. The storm weakened after it crossed onto the land, eventually becoming a depression.
The violent storm disrupted power supply to southern districts of Bangladesh, leaving over 2 crore people without power since Sunday night leading to disruption of mobile networks and internet service. However, power restoration efforts are underway.
The tidal water powered by Remal has inundated a vast area of Sundarbans and it did not drain out even after 30 hours keeping all freshwater ponds inundated with saline water; a lack of fresh water over a longer period may create a huge impact on animals.
Around 61 kilometers of embankments in Khulna, Satkhira and Bagerhat have been damaged and sea water inundated large areas which lead to great loss of property and to fish farmers. The incessant rain on Monday flooded parts of Dhaka and Chattogram cities leading to disruption of public life.
By, Navalsang Parmar, Dhaka
