Bangladesh intensified its evacuation efforts on Sunday as the severe cyclonic storm ‘Remal’ is forecast to make landfall by evening or midnight. The storm threatens the coastal districts of Satkhira and Cox’s Bazar with potential high tidal surges and heavy rainfall.
According to the latest cyclone warning bulletin, ‘Remal’ is expected to move in a northerly direction and may cross between West Bengal’s Sagar Island and Khepupara coast near Mongla. The large-scale evacuation is underway, aiming to move all vulnerable individuals to safer locations as quickly as possible. “All vulnerable people are presumed to be moved to safer places at the shortest possible time,” said Mizanur Rahman, Director General of the Department of Disaster Management.
State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohibur Rahman confirmed that cyclone centers are ready and comprehensive preparations have been made to tackle the storm. “The district administration has turned social, educational, and religious institutions into makeshift shelters alongside 4,000 designated cyclone shelters to accommodate a large number of people, including those in remote areas,” he stated.
In addition, 78,000 volunteers from the Cyclone Preparedness Program are on standby to assist in the coastal districts. The shelters are equipped with adequate dry food supplies, and 8,600 Red Crescent volunteers are actively encouraging at-risk individuals to relocate to safety. Government officials and district administrations have mobilized transportation to facilitate the evacuation.
The government has canceled leaves for officials of all ministries, divisions, and subordinate offices to ensure a coordinated response to the cyclone’s potential impact, according to the Daily Star newspaper. The Chattogram Port Authority has suspended all operations, and flight operations at Chittagong airport have been halted for eight hours.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has issued great danger signal number 9 for Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar ports. Coastal districts including Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Jhalakathi, Barguna, Bhola, and Patuakhali are under great danger signal number 10 as Cyclone Remal intensifies.
As of 9:00 am, the cyclone was centered about 380 km southwest of Chattogram port, 340 km southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 295 km south of Mongla port, and 265 km south of Payra port, according to a bulletin issued by meteorologist Hafizur Rahman at the Bangladesh Meteorological Department.
This pre-monsoon season’s first cyclone in the Bay of Bengal, named Remal, is part of the naming system for cyclones in the Indian Ocean region. The intensified evacuation and preparedness efforts reflect Bangladesh’s commitment to minimizing the impact of this severe weather event on its coastal population.
