Deadly Cyclone Remal Leaves Trail of Destruction in India and Bangladesh
DHAKA — The aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Remal has left a devastating toll with at least 36 people dead in India and Bangladesh. The powerful cyclone brought torrential rain and heavy winds, causing widespread damage and displacing millions of people in its path, according to local officials.
As of Monday evening, at least seven fatalities were reported in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, with more deaths reported in Telangana, Mizoram, and Bangladesh. The Indian Meteorological Department confirmed that Remal weakened into a depression over east Bangladesh after wreaking havoc in both countries, toppling trees, submerging roads, and leaving a large portion of the population without electricity.
Over 1 million people were evacuated from vulnerable areas in India and Bangladesh as the cyclone made landfall near the border between the two countries. Rescue operations were quickly mobilized to assist with cleanup efforts and provide essential supplies to displaced families.
Remal made landfall southeast of Kolkata, India, with winds reaching up to 135 kilometers per hour before moving northwards across Bangladesh. The storm brought heavy rainfall and strong winds, causing widespread flooding and destruction along the Bay of Bengal coast.
The maritime ports of Mongla and Payra in Bangladesh issued the highest alert signal as the cyclone approached, urging all fishing and boating vessels to seek shelter. In Bangladesh alone, an estimated 2 million people were affected by the storm, with many living in vulnerable housing conditions.
Among the most at-risk populations are the stateless Rohingya communities living in refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. These communities are particularly vulnerable to landslides and floods due to their makeshift shelters made of bamboo and tarpaulin.
Video footage captured the harrowing conditions faced by residents as they navigated through floodwaters and strong winds. In India, the National Disaster Response Force worked tirelessly to clear debris and provide assistance to affected areas.
The impact of Tropical Cyclone Remal also led to disruptions in air travel, with flights being delayed and canceled at major airports in the region. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness and safety measures in the face of natural disasters.
As the climate crisis continues to intensify, scientists warn that tropical cyclones are becoming more powerful and destructive. Recent studies suggest that these extreme weather events could double in intensity by the end of the century, posing a significant threat to vulnerable populations in Asia.
While parts of India grapple with severe heatwaves, the aftermath of Cyclone Remal serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for climate action to mitigate the impact of natural disasters on communities across the region. — CNN
