May 27, 2024. 07:35 PM (GMT+6)
Cyclone Remal Sundarbans under 10-foot water
Bangladeshi forest officials say they fear a massive loss of wildlife after parts of the Sundarbans went under 7–10 feet of water due to the impact of Cyclone Remal.
Kotka, Kochikhali, Nilkomol, Mandarbari and Haldibunia mangrove forest areas are mostly submerged. These areas serve as sanctuaries.
Moreover, all fresh water sources inside the Sundarbans have been flooded, causing immense suffering to the animals and forest workers, said Conservator of Forests Mihir Kumar Doe.
The Sundarbans has an outstanding record of holding up to cyclones like Sidr, Aila, Bulbul, Amphan and Yaas.
Each of these cyclones challenged the forest’s resilience, and each time, the Sundarbans eliminated the damage, saving the lives and livelihoods of thousands.
May 27, 2024. 07:30 PM (GMT+6)
Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to lower cautionary signals as cyclonic storm Remal crossed the coastal areas.
The ports were asked to hoist cautionary signal number three (r) three until further notice was issued.
Besides, All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay have been advised to remain in shelter till tomorrow morning (28 May) and then proceed with caution.
May 27, 2024. 07:10 PM (GMT+6)
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department says the ongoing rain will persist until Tuesday and temperatures will start to rise slowly from Wednesday.
Severe Cyclone Remal has weakened into a land depression over the country and will lead to scattered rain in different parts of the country on Tuesday, according to meteorologist Kazi Jebunnesa.
“But the rain tomorrow won’t be like what we’re seeing today. Today it’s raining across the country. Temperatures across the country will start to rise again after May 28. There is no possibility of another heatwave this month, but there might be a couple of rounds of brief, scattered heatwaves in June.”
May 27, 2024. 05:40 PM (GMT+6)
The death toll from Cyclone Remal, which smashed into low-lying areas of Bangladesh last night, has risen to at least 10 people, with more than 30,000 homes destroyed and tens of thousands more damaged.
Seven people died in the Barishal division, said Mohammad Showkat Ali, divisional commissioner of Barishal.
Among them, three people died in Bhola, three in Barisal, and one in Patuakhali. Among the three killed in Barishal, two died in Sadar upazila and one in Bakerganj.
In Khulna, two people died, Helal Mahmud, divisional commissioner of Khulna, told AFP.
“The cyclone has damaged more than 123,000 homes in the division, and among them some 31,000 homes were completely damaged,” he said.
In Chattogram, a man died after a wall collapsed on him in the city area amid heavy rains and strong wind.
In India’s West Bengal state, four people died due to electrocution, authorities said, taking the death toll in the state to six.
One person was crushed to death by falling concrete in the state capital of Kolkata, while a woman died when a mud home collapsed on the island of Mousuni in the Sundarbans delta.
May 27, 2024. 04:30 PM (GMT+6)
As the country faces the impact of a powerful cyclone, the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources has urged everyone to follow these crucial electricity safety tips to stay safe:
- Avoid downed lines: Do not touch fallen wires. Report them immediately to the nearest electricity office.
- Report trees on lines: If you see trees or branches on power lines, notify the electricity office. Contact numbers can be found on your electricity bill.
- Stay away from poles and wires: Refrain from touching electric poles or wires during storms.
- Meter safety: If your meter wire is damaged or touches your roof, report it without attempting to handle it yourself.
- Volunteer help: Assist electricity workers if they need help during the disaster.
For assistance, call 16999 or reach out to the regional control rooms:
Rural Electrification Board: 01792-623467, 02-8900575
May 27, 2024. 04:10 PM (GMT+6)
At least nine people were killed in different parts of Bangladesh due to the impact of cyclone Remal on Monday.
In Bhola, a 55-year-old woman was killed around 4am when her house collapsed due to the heavy wind and rain on Monday.
Besides, a child named Maisha, 4, died after being crushed by a tree inside her house due to Cyclone Remal in Daulatkhan in Bhola.
In Satkhira, a 72-year-old man died while going to a shelter during a storm caused by cyclone Remal.
In Barisal, two people were killed when the side wall of a four-storied building collapsed and fell on the neighbouring hotel in the Rupatali area of the city during the cyclone.
In Patuakhali, a person named Md Shariful Islam died while saving his sister from the flooded area due to Cyclone Remal in Kauwarchar area of Dhulasar Union of Kalapara upazila in Patuakhali.
Besides, in Chittagong, a pedestrian named Saiful Islam Hriday died after being crushed by a wall in the textile area of Bayezid police station in the city.
Again, one person died in Khulna’s Batiaghata due to Cyclone Remal.
In Comilla, a student was killed when an under-construction building collapsed at his school. The accident happened around 11am on Monday.
May 27, 2024. 03:30 PM (GMT+6)
The Election Commission (EC) has postponed polls in 19 upazilas of Bagerhat, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Pirojpur, Bhola, Jhalokathi, Barguna, and Rangamati, said Md Jahangir Alam, secretary of Election Commission Secretariat today (27 May).
May 27, 2024. 02:30 PM (GMT+6)
Braving the Storm: Rickshaw pullers navigating through the pouring rain in Dhaka. (Photo: Dipa Ghosh)
Severe cyclonic storm Remal moved northwards and weakened into a cyclonic storm and further weakened into a land deep depression over Jashore and adjoining area, according to Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) latest bulletin.
The storm will cross the capital at about 3pm with strong wind and heavy rain. But it is likely to weaken, according to the meteorologists.
Bangladesh Metrological Department (BMD) director Azizur Rahman said, “The center of cyclone Remal will come towards Dhaka between 3pm to 4pm. It is now becoming a deep land depression. For this, Dhaka braces more rains with strong wind. The storm will gradually cross Bangladesh from Dhaka to Sylhet.”
May 27, 2024. 12:30 PM (GMT+6)
15 million people without power in coastal areas
In a bid to mitigate the devastating impact of Cyclone Remal, the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board has cut off electricity to approximately 15 million people across coastal regions. The severe cyclone has prompted this preventive measure to minimize potential damage and ensure public safety.
Power outages have stretched beyond 12 hours in some areas, leaving residents without electricity as they brace for the storm. However, the power authority assures that their teams are poised to restore connections once the cyclone abates.
Biswanath Sikder, Chief Engineer (Planning and Operation) of the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board, reported that as of 9:45 am, the storm continued to ravage the coastal areas. Due to the ongoing nature of the cyclone, the full extent of the damage remains unclear. Nevertheless, repair crews are on standby, ready to act as soon as conditions allow.
Sikder highlighted that relentless rain and high winds have made it impossible for workers to venture out currently. The precautionary power shutdown affects most customers in the Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Bhola, Patuakhali, and Barishal districts. Additionally, partial outages are reported in several other districts.
He estimates that around 15 million people are enduring the blackout. Flooding has been reported in the coastal Upazilas of some districts, compounding the challenges.
May 27, 2024. 11:10 AM (GMT+6)
Commuters travel on a motorised three-wheeler along a road as rain clouds loom over the sky, due to the effect of Cyclone Remal, in Kolkata, India
As Cyclone Remal advances, neighboring India braces for its impact, with the country’s weather department anticipating the storm’s landfall overnight.
The looming threat of Remal underscores the regional nature of the disaster, necessitating coordinated efforts to mitigate its impact and safeguard lives and infrastructure.
May 27, 2024. 10:10 AM (GMT+6)
Low-lying areas are inundated due to strong cyclone Remal.
On Monday morning, May 27, the Meteorological Office noted that accurate forecasts and increased public awareness had helped mitigate the cyclone’s impact. However, weak embankments broke before the cyclone made landfall, resulting in the flooding of multiple villages. Waves as high as 5 to 6 feet battered the coast, exacerbating the damage.
May 27, 2024. 9:20 AM (GMT+6)
woman was killed after she collapsed in her house in Bhola.
As the country prepares for the landfall of Cyclone Remal, currently intensifying over the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh faces yet another natural calamity poised to wreak havoc on lives and infrastructure along the coastal belt.
Bangladesh’s history with severe storms from the Bay of Bengal has repeatedly resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction.
Here are destructive cyclones from the past:
- The Bhola Cyclone (November 11, 1970) remains the deadliest known tropical cyclone in Bangladesh’s history, claiming at least 300,000 lives in the low-lying coastal region.
- On April 29, 1991, a powerful cyclone struck the Chittagong district in southeastern Bangladesh, killing at least 138,000 people and causing approximately $1.5 billion in damage.
- The Barisal Cyclone (May 11, 1965) resulted in at least 19,279 deaths, with 16,456 of these occurring in Barisal. The cyclone hit with wind speeds around 160 km/h and storm surges between 3.7 and 7.6 meters.
- A cyclone on December 15, 1965, struck with wind speeds of about 217 km/h and storm surges of 2.3 to 3.6 meters, resulting in 873 fatalities.
- On October 1, 1966, another cyclone impacted the coastal area with wind speeds of about 139 km/h and storm surges of 6 to 7 meters, causing approximately 850 deaths.
- The Urir Char Cyclone (May 25, 1985) brought wind speeds of 154 km/h and storm surges of 3 to 4.6 meters, killing at least 11,069 people and damaging 94,379 houses.
- Cyclone 04B (November 30, 1988) hit the coastal areas with wind speeds of 162 km/h and a storm surge of 4.5 meters, resulting in at least 5,708 deaths.
- A May 1997 Cyclone, striking on May 19, 1997, had wind speeds of about 230 km/h and caused the deaths of 155 people.
- Cyclone Sidr (November 15, 2007) lashed the coastal belt with wind speeds of 223 km/h, claiming 3,363 lives.
- Cyclone Aila (May 25, 2009) impacted 15 southwestern districts with wind speeds of 120 km/h, killing around 150 people and damaging 200,000 houses.
- Cyclone Mahasen (May 16, 2013) struck near Chittagong with wind speeds of 85 km/h, causing 17 deaths.
- Cyclone Roanu (May 21, 2016) made landfall near Chittagong, resulting in 26 deaths and damaging around 40,000 houses.
- Cyclone Fani (May 4, 2019) damaged crops on 63,063 hectares of land.
- Cyclone Bulbul (November 9, 2019) affected around 289,006 hectares of land, damaging crops on 22,836 hectares.
- Cyclone Amphan (May 20, 2020) was an extremely severe storm that killed at least 31 people and destroyed 176,007 hectares of agricultural land in 17 coastal districts. It also damaged 83,560 establishments in Khulna.
- Cyclone Yaas (May 26, 2021) left tens of thousands homeless and destroyed roads, crops, and fish farms in 23 coastal districts.
- Cyclone Sitrang (October 24, 2022) killed at least 24 people and left millions without power, forcing the evacuation of about a million people.
- On May 14, 2023, Cyclone Mocha struck between Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh and Kyaukpyu township in Myanmar with sustained winds of 250 km/h and gusts up to 305 km/h, resulting in three fatalities in Bangladesh.
- Cyclone Midhili (November 17, 2023) left seven people dead in Bangladesh and damaged 19,655 hectares of crops in six districts under the Barisal Division, with losses amounting to around Tk182 crore.
May 27, 2024. 08:10 AM (GMT+6)
Strong cyclone Remal is lashing the coastal areas of the country with gusty winds and heavy rains.
Cyclone Remal has been lashing the coastal areas of Bangladesh with gusty winds and heavy rains, causing significant loss of life and property. As of the latest reports, seven people have lost their lives in Barisal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Satkhira, and Chittagong.
The fatalities include one person in Patuakhali who was swept away by raging waves and another in Satkhira who died while attempting to reach a shelter. In Mongla, two people, including a child, are missing after a trawler sank. Additionally, five more casualties were reported in Barisal, Bhola, and Chittagong due to the cyclone.
May 26, 2024. 11:45PM (GMT+6)
All the rivers in Barisal division are flowing above the danger level due to Cyclone Remal hitting the coast. Consequently, low-lying areas have been flooded, with water breaching embankments, inundating hundreds of villages, and submerging crops.
Meanwhile in Lakshmipur, the water level in the Meghna River has surged, leading to flooding in coastal areas near Lakshmipur Sadar, Raipur, Kamalnagar, and Ramgati.
Executive Engineer of Lakshmipur Water Development Board Nahid Uz Zaman Khan told media that the water level has increased by 1.3 to 1.6 metres.
“Another tide will come at night, then there is a possibility of surge if the cyclone crosses the coast,” he added.
May 26, 2024. 11:00PM (GMT+6)
More than 26 lakh people have been kept without electricity in the coaster areas of Bangladesh to reduce the damage caused by Cyclone Remal.
Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB) data says, electricity supply to 2.56 lakh customers under 14 units of Palli Bidyut Samity has been suspended to avoid accidents due to the impact of the cyclone.
The leave of electricity workers in coastal areas has been cancelled.
May 26, 2024. 09:20PM (GMT+6)
Cyclone Remal has made landfall in Bangladesh, crossing Patuakhali’s Khepupara area and West Bengal’s Sagar Island with rain and strong stormy winds.
Meteorologist Dr Shameem Hassan Bhuiyan of Met office said Remal starting crossing Patuakhali coasts from 8:00pm today.
The eye of the cyclonic storm is scheduled to cross Bangladesh between 12:00-1:00am Monday after which the cyclone is expected to weaken.
May 26, 2024. 08:00PM (GMT+6)
The cancellation of upazila elections in areas concerned will depend on the extent of damage caused by Cyclone Remal, Election Commission (EC) Secretary Md Jahangir Alam said today (26 May).
“We are in contact with the field level. The cyclone has not made landfall yet. Decisions will be made once it hits the country,” he said in response to questions from journalists at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital’s Agargaon.
The third phase of the upazila parishad election is slated to take place on 29 May.
May 26, 2024. 07:20PM (GMT+6)
Mohammad Shariful Islam (24), a young man from Anantapara village in Kalapara Upazila in Patuakhali, lost his life after being swept away by powerful tidal waters caused by Cyclone Remal.
The cyclone had been intensifying since morning, leading to rough seas and rising river levels.
Shariful’s aunt, Matowara Begum, lived in the Kauarchar area near Kuakata beach, where his sister was also present.
Around 1 PM, as the tide surged, the area was inundated with 4 to 6 feet of seawater. Shariful went to his aunt’s house to take them to a safer place. While crossing the submerged area by swimming, he was overpowered by strong waves and swept away.
Local residents recovered Shariful’s body from the same area nearly an hour later, but he had tragically died.
Anwar Hossain Talukder, the officer-in-charge of Mohipur Police Station, confirmed the incident and said police were sent to the spot after receiving the news. Shariful’s body has been recovered.
May 26, 2024. 06:40PM (GMT+6)
The severe cyclonic storm Remal is likely to have a 60% impact in Bangladesh and 40% in India, said Meteorologist Mostofa Kamal Palash, a PhD researcher on meteorology and climate at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada.
“The major part (60%) of Cyclone Remal is likely to impact Bangladesh, while 30%-40% is expected to affect South 24 Parganas and Medinipur districts in West Bengal. There is a high possibility of landfall in the Khulna and Barishal divisions of Bangladesh,” Palash added.
He said there is more than a 90% chance that the centre of the cyclone will be over India’s South 24 Parganas district, as well as Satkhira, Khulna, and Barguna districts in the Khulna division of Bangladesh.
He also mentioned that the centre of the cyclonic storm is expected to move over the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal and the Satkhira, Khulna, and Barguna districts of Bangladesh’s Khulna Division from 9:00pm today (26 May).
The trailing half of the cyclone has a strong chance of crossing coastal areas between 3:00pm on Monday and 9:00am on Tuesday.
The storm is expected to cross Bangladesh and India’s West Bengal coasts around midnight Sunday.
According to a special notification, landslides may occur in the hilly areas of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, Bandarban, Khagrachari due to heavy rain owing to Cyclone Remal.
May 26, 2024. 05:35PM (GMT+6)
The Cyclone Remal has led to the inundation of the Sundarbans mangrove forest with tidal surges.
Meanwhile, strong winds accompanied by rainfall have commenced in the area.
Azad Kabir, the officer-in-charge of the Sundarbans Karamjal Tourism and Wildlife Breeding Centre in the eastern division of the Sundarbans, reported that the water level in the forest has surged four feet above its usual mark.
May 26, 2024. 05:08PM (GMT+6)
The centre of Cyclone Remal will start crossing the Bangladesh coast around 6:00 pm today (26 May), said Md Azizur Rahman, director of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) .
“Currently, only the tip of the cyclone is hitting the coast. When its centre starts crossing the coast from 6:00 pm. It will happen in the next 3-4 hours. At this time, the wind will hit at full speed,” he told media.
So far, the cyclone is moving directly towards the north. The wind speed can go up to 90-120 kmph in some places, while others may experience up to 130 kmph.
He also mentioned that there has been heavy rainfall along the coast. There will be more rainfall when the cyclone’s centre moves over Bangladesh.
May 26, 2024. 04:32PM (GMT+6)
Water has started to enter several villages on Saint Martin’s island due to the sea level rise caused by Cyclone Remal.
“With the high tide, the height of the water in the Bay of Bengal has increased. As a result, we are using loudspeakers to move the island’s residents to safe shelters,” said Mujibur Rahman, the chairman of Saint Martin Union.
Regarding this matter, Syed Safkat Ali, the assistant commissioner (land) of Teknaf upazila, said, “In addition to ensuring a sufficient supply of dry food and water on the island, our medical team is also ready.”
May 26, 2024. 04:00PM (GMT+6)
Bangladesh evacuated nearly 800,000 people from vulnerable areas on Sunday as the country and neighbouring India awaited the arrival of a severe cyclone that has formed over the Bay of Bengal.
The storm is expected to cross Bangladesh and India’s West Bengal coasts around midnight Sunday.
The India Meteorological Department said it is expected to reach maximum wind speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour (75 mph), with gusts up to 135 kmph (85 mph) hitting West Bengal’s Sagar Island and Bangladesh’s Khepupara region on Sunday (26 May) night.
State minister for disaster management and relief affairs, Md Mohibur Rahman, said volunteers have been deployed to evacuate people to 4,000 cyclone shelters across the country’s coastal region. The government also closed all schools in the region until further notice.
May 26, 2024. 03:30PM (GMT+6)
Leave of officials of all ministries, divisions and subordinate offices have been cancelled to tackle the possible aftermath of Cyclone Remal.
State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohibur Rahman announced it after an inter-ministerial meeting at the secretariat on Sunday.
May 26, 2024. 03:00PM (GMT+6)
Concerns are growing over a possible tidal surge of up to 12 feet from the Bay of Bengal may hit several coastal districts of Bangladesh.
These districts include Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Jhalakathi, Barguna, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Feni, Cumilla, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, and Chandpur.
Besides, concerns extend to the remote islands and char areas adjacent to these districts, where the risk of downpour remains significant.
May 26, 2024. 02:40PM (GMT+6)
The coastal regions of the Barishal division are witnessing rapid changes in weather situations as Cyclone Remal, formed in the Bay of Bengal, approaches the coast.
Kuakata, a potential centre of the cyclone’s impact, has been experiencing continuous rainfall since midnight. Due to the heavy rain and strong winds, people were unable to go outside since morning.
The tides, accompanied by heavy rainfall, have also raised the water levels in canals, ponds, and rivers around Kuakata.
Cyclone Remal is expected to hit the Mongla and Kuakata beaches between this evening and Monday midnight.
May 26, 2024. 01:30PM (GMT+6)
A number of passengers of a trawler have gone missing after it sank in the Bagerhat’s Mongla river while commuting during danger signal 10 due to Cyclone Remal.
The vessel, with around 80 passengers, sank around 9am.
The passengers, many of whom are workers from the VIP factory in the Mongla Export Processing Zone (EPZ), were crossing the river despite the dangerous conditions.
Locals said many have been using the route since dawn, with most being workers of a factory in the nearby Exporters Processing Zone.
Eye-witnesses claimed to have seen people swimming ashore, but also said many are missing.
The Naval police, fire service and coastguard divers have begun rescue operations.
Since then, trawler movement has been suspended on the Mongla river.
May 26, 2024. 01:30PM (GMT+6)
Cyclone Remal is intensifying rapidly and expected to make landfall around 3 PM, posing severe threats to coastal areas like Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Jhalkathi, Barguna, Barisal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Comilla, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, and nearby islands and chars.
Take these precautions immediately:
Prepare Emergency Supplies
Pack a kit with cash, essential medicines, and 3 days’ worth of food and water for your family and pets. These will be crucial if your home gets flooded and you can’t return right away.
Know Evacuation Plans
Familiarize yourself with local evacuation plans, zones, and routes if you live in a coastal area. Identify a meeting spot for your family members.
Rush to Shelters
Rush to the nearby shelter centers as the government so far readied about 4,000 shelters and 78,000 volunteers in the coastal areas to face Cyclone Remal.
Secure Important Documents
Scan and digitally store copies of vital documents like IDs, passports, and legal papers. Keep physical copies in a waterproof container or take them with you during evacuation.
Safeguard Valuables
Move valuables to safer places and Secure Hazardous Items.
Fortify Windows and Doors
Board up windows and secure doors with storm shutters to prevent leaks, flooding, and flying debris.
Stay tuned to volunteers, media and follow evacuation orders promptly. Prioritize safety during this severe cyclonic storm.
May 26, 2024. 12:30PM (GMT+6)
Cyclone Remal is intensifying, posing a severe threat to coastal regions as it is anticipated to make landfall at about 3 pm today (Sunday-May 26).
“The cyclone’s front will strike the coastal areas at approximately 3 PM today,” says Bangladesh Meteorological Department.
Its director Azizur Rahman issued a grave warning, stating that the cyclone’s centre will traverse the land between evening and midnight. “From 3 PM onward, the coast will begin to feel the impacts of Cyclone Remal.”
Azizur Rahman said that the effects of Cyclone Remal are expected to persist for 12 to 14 hours. During this period, the storm is anticipated to reach severe cyclonic storm status, with wind speeds ranging between 110 to 120 km/h.
May 26, 2024. 12:00PM (GMT+6)
The Met Office has advised hoisting great danger signal 10 for Mongla and Payra ports as well as nine coastal districts as cyclonic storm Remal may strike Bangladesh this afternoon (26 May).
The districts under great danger signal 10 are Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Jhalokathi, Barguna, Barishal, Bhola and Patuakhali.
The maritime port of Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar have been advised to hoist great danger signal 9, according to a special bulletin of the Met office.
As of 9am this morning, Cyclone Remal was located 380 kilometres southwest of Chattogram port, 340 kilometres southwest of Cox’s Bazar, 295 kilometres south of Mongla, and 265 kilometres south of Payra, according to the special bulletin.
It may continue to move further north and intensify.
The sustained maximum wind speed within 64 kilometres of the cyclone centre is 90 kilometres per hour, increasing to gusts of up to 120 kilometres per hour.
