Two dead as Cyclone Remal hits Bangladesh
NEWS DESK
Cyclone Remal has battered the coastal regions of Bangladesh, bringing winds of up to 120 kph and severe storm surges that have flooded numerous villages and caused widespread power outages.
Officials reported two fatalities in Patuakhali and Satkhira on Sunday night. As the cyclone approached, many residents evacuated to storm shelters or higher ground with their livestock.
In a special bulletin issued at 11 pm, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department predicted that the cyclone would make landfall near Mongla along the West Bengal-Khepupara coast within the next five to six hours.
The ports of Payra and Mongla, as well as adjacent areas, were placed on ‘great danger’ signal No. 10, the highest alert level. Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar ports were under signal No. 9.
The Met Office warned that the cyclone’s intensity and steep pressure gradient could lead to storm surges up to 12 feet above normal tide levels, affecting low-lying areas in 15 coastal districts. These districts include Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Jhalakathi, Barguna, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Chattogram, and Cox’s Bazar.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds is anticipated across most of Bangladesh. The Meteorological Department also cautioned about possible landslides in the hilly regions of Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Chattogram.
