Weakening tropical storm Remal caused widespread flooding and power outages in southern Bangladesh and eastern India, affecting nearly 30 million people. At least 10 people died in Bangladesh, and over 3.7 million people along the coast were affected by the storm. Disaster preparedness programs in Bangladesh have helped reduce casualties from violent storms, but changing climate patterns have increased the intensity of storms, necessitating urgent preparations. Remal made landfall in Bangladesh’s Patuakhali district with sustained winds of 111 kilometers per hour and was expected to weaken further.
The impact of the storm led to the destruction of more than 35,000 homes and damage to nearly 115,000 homes. Nearly 800,000 people were evacuated from vulnerable areas in anticipation of the storm. In response to the storm, India’s Kolkata airport reopened after being closed, while Bangladesh’s Chattogram airport remained shut, along with domestic flight cancellations in Cox’s Bazar. The Chittagong seaport also halted loading and unloading activities in the wake of the storm.
In the aftermath of the storm, heavy rain and winds battered the capital city of Dhaka, leading to submerged roads and disruptions in daily life. All government officials were instructed to remain at their stations until the situation improved. Aid agencies deployed thousands of volunteers to provide emergency support in Rohingya refugee camps and other affected areas. Bangladesh hosts over 1 million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar in Cox’s Bazar, and efforts were made to ensure their safety and well-being during the storm.
Meanwhile, in India’s West Bengal state, the storm caused damage to houses with thatched roofs, uprooted electric poles and trees, and inundated streets and homes in low-lying areas of Kolkata. All schools in the region were closed until further notice to ensure the safety of students. The Meteorological Department warned of heavy showers in Assam and other northeastern states for the next two days, indicating ongoing concerns about the impact of the storm in the region. The combined efforts of authorities, aid agencies, and volunteers were crucial in providing relief and support to those affected by tropical storm Remal.
