Cyclone Remal has cut a devastating path through eastern India and southern Bangladesh, leaving at least 16 people confirmed dead. Authorities fear the toll could rise as search and rescue operations continue.
Deadly Storm Surge and Collapsed Houses
Mohibur Rahman, disaster minister for the Remal-affected region of Bangladesh, told AFP news agency, “Tragically, some people drowned due to the cyclone’s storm surge, while others died when their houses collapsed under the strong winds.”
Millions Affected by Heavy Rains and Strong Winds
Media reports estimate that the cyclone has impacted a staggering 8.4 million people, including children. The BBC reports that coastal areas of both India and southern Bangladesh were battered by winds exceeding 110 kilometers per hour, heavy rain, and high tides. These relentless rains have caused widespread flooding in low-lying coastal areas.
The storm has inflicted significant damage on thousands of homes. Tin roofs were ripped off, and houses constructed from mud were leveled. Additionally, the BBC reports damage to trees and electricity poles throughout the region.
Power Outages Plague Both Nations
Reuters reports that precautionary measures were taken in Bangladesh before the cyclone’s arrival, with power cuts affecting 3 million people to minimize risk. In West Bengal, India, the storm’s fury uprooted at least 1,200 electricity poles, further exacerbating power outages.
