Cyclone Remal Causes Fatalities and Destruction in Bengal and Bangladesh
Cyclone Remal, which struck the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh on Sunday night, has resulted in significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure. In West Bengal, two people lost their lives due to the storm, while in Bangladesh, the death toll stands at seven.
Impact on West Bengal
In West Bengal, the cyclone claimed the lives of two individuals. One fatality occurred when a wall collapsed due to heavy rainfall in the Bibir Bagan area of Entally in Central Kolkata. Another victim, an elderly woman on Mousuni Island near Namkhana, died after a tree fell on her hut, causing the roof to cave in.
The cyclone caused widespread damage, uprooting trees, toppling electricity poles, and blowing away the roofs of thatched huts. Several areas in Kolkata experienced significant waterlogging, disrupting suburban train services from the Sealdah terminal station for several hours. The state government has initiated relief operations, providing food, drinking water, and medical assistance to those affected. Authorities have urged residents to remain indoors and take necessary precautions.
Destruction in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, Cyclone Remal led to the deaths of seven people and left millions without power. The fatalities included individuals who were washed away by storm surges or fell while seeking shelter. The cyclone caused a trawler to sink in Mongla, leaving two people, including a child, missing.
The rural power authority cut off electricity to 15 million people in coastal areas to minimize damage, resulting in prolonged power outages. Efforts are underway to restore power as soon as the storm subsides.
Precautions in Tripura and Assam
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for the northeastern states of Tripura and Assam as the cyclone continues to move northwards. In Tripura, a red alert has been issued for Sepahijala and Gumati districts, with an orange alert for the remaining six districts. The state is expected to experience heavy rain and gusty winds. Tripura’s Chief Minister Manik Saha has urged residents to remain vigilant and assured that the state administration is prepared to tackle the situation.
In Assam, several districts are on high alert for potential heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. The administration has set up helpline numbers and urged people to maintain safety measures. The Northeast Frontier Railway has canceled 42 trains over two days in anticipation of the storm’s impact. Although Assam has already begun experiencing rainfall, no significant damage has been reported yet. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are on standby, and control rooms are operational.
Cyclone Remal has caused significant fatalities and damage in West Bengal and Bangladesh, with its effects now expected in Tripura and Assam. Both states are taking extensive precautionary measures to mitigate the impact. The response from state governments includes initiating relief operations, ensuring power restoration, and maintaining public safety.
