A cyclone struck coastal villages in southern Bangladesh and eastern India, causing widespread flooding, destruction of thatched roofs, and power outages. At least seven deaths have been reported as a result of the storm.
Reports indicate that numerous Bangladeshi villages were flooded due to the collapse or damage of flood protection embankments. Prior to the cyclone's arrival, nearly 800,000 individuals were evacuated from vulnerable areas in Bangladesh. While official casualty figures have not been released, local media sources have confirmed at least seven fatalities, with two individuals reported missing following a boat capsizing incident.
In India's West Bengal state, the cyclone led to the destruction of thatched house roofs, uprooting of electric poles and trees in coastal districts. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of deaths. Heavy rainfall also caused flooding in low-lying areas of Kolkata city.
After making landfall in Bangladesh's Patuakhali district with sustained winds of 111 kph (69 mph), Cyclone Remal significantly weakened. Current wind speeds are recorded at 90 kph (56 mph) with gusts up to 120 kph (75 mph). The India Meteorological Department predicts further weakening of the cyclone throughout the day, with heavy showers expected in Assam and other northeastern states over the next two days.
As a precautionary measure, the Kolkata airport has resumed operations after a temporary closure, while Bangladesh's Chattogram airport has been shut down, with all domestic flights to and from Cox’s Bazar canceled. Loading and unloading activities at the Chittagong seaport have been suspended, and several ships have been moved to deeper waters.
Volunteers have been assisting hundreds of thousands of evacuees in Bangladesh, relocating them to approximately 9,000 cyclone shelters. Schools in the affected region have been closed until further notice. Cyclone Remal marks the first cyclonic activity in the Bay of Bengal ahead of this year's monsoon season, which typically spans from June to September.
While cyclones are not uncommon along India's coasts, the intensification of storms due to changing climate patterns underscores the importance of proactive measures in preparing for natural disasters.
