Bangladesh has commenced a large-scale evacuation operation for millions of residents as Cyclone Remal approaches, anticipated to bring wind speeds reaching up to 130 km/h upon landfall.
The storm, currently forming in the Bay of Bengal, is expected to strike the nation’s coastlines between Sunday evening and midnight, according to reports from Xinhua News Agency.
On Sunday, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department issued warnings about potential flooding, landslides, and storm surges associated with the cyclone.
Coastal districts and seaports have been placed on high alert, with the great danger signal No. 10 activated. Fishing boats, trawlers, and maritime vessels have been instructed to seek shelter until further notice.
As of 9:00 a.m. local time on Sunday, Cyclone Remal was positioned approximately 295 km south of Mongla port in the southern Khulna region and 380 km southwest of Chattogram port in southeastern Bangladesh, according to a bulletin signed by meteorologist Kh Hafizur Rahman from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department.
Md Mohibur Rahman, Bangladesh’s State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief, informed Xinhua that at least 800,000 individuals from the ten most vulnerable districts have already been relocated to emergency shelters.
The evacuation efforts are being supported by the navy, coast guard, police, voluntary organizations, and political parties, reflecting a coordinated national response to the impending disaster.
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The severe cyclone’s peripheral effects and steep pressure gradients are likely to cause the low-lying areas of Khulna and Chattogram to be inundated by a wind-driven surge of 8-12 feet above normal astronomical tide levels. This forecast was detailed in the meteorological bulletin.
In response to the approaching cyclone, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority has halted the operations of all river vessels on internal routes.
The authorities at Chattogram Seaport have ceased cargo unloading at the outer anchorage and have directed all anchored vessels to move to deeper waters for safety.
Additionally, Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram has suspended flight operations for an eight-hour period starting Sunday afternoon to ensure passenger safety amid the adverse weather conditions.
This extensive evacuation and preparedness strategy underscores the severity of Cyclone Remal and the proactive measures Bangladesh is taking to mitigate its impact on vulnerable populations and critical infrastructure.