Severe cyclonic storm Remal made landfall on Bangladesh’s coast with strong wind and heavy rainfall. The cyclone began to make landfall on the Sagar Island, West Bengal- Khepupara, Bangladesh coast (Sundarvan Coast) at midnight of Sunday and it was expected to complete crossing the coast by 06 am (BST), according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). The coastal areas are experiencing heavy rainfall due to the influence of cyclonic storm Remal. Maximum sustained wind speed within 64 km of the severe cyclone centre was 90 kph rising to 120 kph-in gusts or squalls. Bangladesh has evacuated more than 800,000 people from the coastal areas. Bangladesh State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohibur Rahman on Sunday said, “We have already prepared 8,000 to 9,000 shelters. Adequate dry food, biscuits, water and medical supplies have reached all the shelters”.
“The cyclone could unleash a storm surge of up to four metres above normal astronomical tide, which can be dangerous,” said senior weather official.
A large area of the Sundarbans inundated due to tidal surge under the influence of severe cyclone Remal, creating threat for different wild animals including tigers and deers, Sunday.
Over a hundred bodies of freshwater also have been inundated.
Bangladesh maritime ports Payra and Mongla have been advised to keep hoisted danger signals, no. Ten (R) Ten, said a special bulletin of the BMD.
The coastal districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagherhat, Pirojpur, Jhalokhati, Borguna, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali and their offshore islands and chars will come under great danger signal no 10(R). Maritime ports Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram have been advised to keep hoisted danger signals, no. Nine (R) Nine. The coastal district of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Feni, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Chandpur and their offshore islands and chars will come under great danger signal no nine. Under the influence of the cyclone Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barisal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions are likely to get heavy (44-88 mm) to very heavy rainfall (289 mm) with gusty or squally wind, said a special bulletin of the BMD. All fishing boats and trawlers over north Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice. Due to very heavy rainfall, landslides may occur at places over the hilly regions of Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, khagrachari and Chattogram, said Bangladesh Met office.
Disclaimer: This press release is sourced from News On AIR, Prasar Bharti and Press Information Bureau India (PIB).