DHAKA, (Reuters): At least 16 people died in India and Bangladesh on Sunday as Cyclone Remal wreaked havoc, leaving millions without power.
Cyclone’s Devastating Impact
As night fell, ferocious winds persisted, raising water levels and overwhelming drainage systems. Bangladeshi climate expert Liakath Ali reported, “People are stranded. It will be another long night with millions lacking electricity or shelter.” He added, “People have no idea of how damaged their homes, land, and livestock are.”
Onset of Storm Season
Cyclone Remal marks the onset of the storm season, threatening South Asia’s low-lying coasts. Escalating sea surface temperatures due to climate change fuel these storms. Wind speeds reached up to 135 kph as the cyclone made landfall late on Sunday near Bangladesh’s Mongla port and India’s Sagar Islands in West Bengal.
Urgent Needs Highlighted
Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh, highlighted the grave risks faced by over 8.4 million people, including 3.2 million children. He emphasized the urgent need for health, nutrition, sanitation, and safety measures.
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Rising Death Toll and Damages
In Bangladesh, the death toll reached 10. Disaster management chief Mijanur Rahman attributed casualties to structural collapses and drownings. State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Mohibbur Rahman reported extensive damage to homes, fish enclosures, and trees across 19 districts.
Impact in India
In West Bengal, authorities reported six fatalities, including four electrocutions. The cyclone disrupted power and telecommunication networks, exacerbating the crisis. Repair crews mobilized swiftly after wind speeds decreased, stated Bangladeshi State Minister for Power and Energy Nasrul Hamid.
Ongoing Challenges and Evacuations
Flooded roads hindered travel in Dhaka and Kolkata, grounding flights and disrupting train services. Despite these setbacks, both nations successfully evacuated nearly a million people to storm shelters. This proactive response helped mitigate the cyclone’s impact.
