Cyclone Hits India And Bangladesh, Leaving Over A Dozen Dead And Thousands Homeless

Cyclone Remal has caused widespread devastation in coastal regions of India and Bangladesh, leaving at least 16 people dead and displacing nearly a million residents. The cyclone, with wind speeds reaching up to 135 km/h (84 mph), made landfall on Sunday evening, bringing heavy rain, tidal surges, and strong winds.

Strong winds and heavy rain usually characterise cyclones and can lead to severe weather conditions like flooding and storm surges.

In Bangladesh, authorities reported that at least ten people were killed, with many victims crushed under collapsed houses.

A total of 3.75 million people have been affected… the cyclone destroyed 35,483 homes, and another 115,992 homes were damaged, stated Mohibbur Rahman, the country’s disaster minister.

The storm also created severe food shortages and left many areas without electricity.

In India, the West Bengal state government confirmed the deaths of six civilians, including three who were electrocuted. Cyclone Remal destroyed thousands of homes, uprooted trees, and damaged power lines, leading to widespread power outages. More than 1,200 power poles were uprooted, leaving millions without electricity.

The cyclone hit particularly hard in low-lying areas and regions housing vulnerable populations, including the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar.

These areas are at risk of landslides and flooding due to the flimsy construction of the shelters. International organisations like Save the Children and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent have mobilised emergency response teams to provide aid and support recovery efforts.

Ongoing Challenges

Ongoing heavy rains and unstable ground conditions have hampered rescue operations. “The ground is also quite unstable at the moment, and it is at risk of triggering further landslides,” said Justine McMahon, country coordinator of CARE Australia.

The cyclone has also disrupted transportation, with schools in affected areas being closed. The Indian Coast Guard and local authorities are working to clear debris and restore power, but the situation remains critical.

The full extent of Cyclone Remal’s destruction is, however, still being assessed, and the recovery process is expected to be long and challenging.

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