8 killed, 15 million displaced after 'Remal' hits West Bengal and Bangladesh

Severe cyclonic storm Remal made landfall between the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh that killed 8 people and injured many.

The storm, which struck between Sagar Island and Khepupara near the southwest of Mongla, has so far killed seven people in Bangladesh, including five in Barishal, Bhola and Chattogram, and two in Patuakhali and Satkhira. In Mongla, a trawler sank, leaving two people, including a child, missing.

Meanwhile in India, a man died of his injuries when a wall collapsed due to relentless downpour at the Bibir Bagan area in central Kolkata. Two others suffered injuries in the Maniktala area. The rural power authority has cut off electricity to 15 million people in coastal areas to minimise the damage in Bangaldesh.

As the cyclone progresses, the sea and coastal environments are predicted to gradually calm, although heavy rains and gusty winds persist in Dhaka and its surrounding areas.

Fishing boats and trawlers operating in the North Bay of Bengal and the deep sea have been advised to remain in a safe harbour until further notice.

Payra and Mongla ports have been instructed to hoist danger signal number 10, indicating severe conditions.

The Meteorological Department has warned that due to the cyclone's intensity and the air pressure difference, coastal districts and their remote islands and chars could face wind-driven tides 8-12 feet above normal.

What is Remal?

Remal is the first cyclone in the Bay of Bengal ahead of this year's monsoon season, which runs from June to September. The cyclone was named Remal (meaning sand in Arabic) by Oman, according to a system of naming cyclones in the Indian Ocean region.

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