52,000 people rush to shelters as Cyclone Remal approaches Bangladesh coast

The impact of the severe cyclonic storm can already be seen in the rain and gusty wind in coastal districts

As Cyclone Remal approaches, more than 52,000 people, including women and children, have taken shelter to try and protect their lives.

Mizanur Rahman, director general of the Department of Disaster Management, told bdnews24.com that a total of 52,446 people have taken refuge in 8,464 shelters in 19 districts as of 11am on Sunday.

The number is rising over time. In addition, 4,623 cattle have also reached the shelters

Mizanur Rahman said, "We have formed 1,185 medical teams to deal with the situation. And our minister [Minister of State for Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohibbur Rahman] has called all the ministries to a meeting and given instructions on what to do in order to minimise the damage."

Warning signals were raised on Sunday morning after Cyclone Remal gathered more strength and became a severe cyclonic storm. At the urging of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, Great Danger Signal No. 10 was raised at the Mongla and Payra maritime ports and Great Danger Signal No. 9 at the Chattogram and Cox's Bazar maritime ports.

According to the special weather bulletin, Remal was located 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 at 9am on Sunday.

The maximum sustained wind speed was 90 kmph within 64 km of the cyclone centre, growing up to 120 km in the form of gusts or stormy winds.

Due to the impact of the cyclone, the coastal areas of the country have already started experiencing rain and storm winds.

If the cyclone continues on its current trajectory north, it could make landfall in the coastal area between Bangladesh’s Khepupara and Sagar Island in India from Sunday evening to midnight.

According to the Met Office, the coastal districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Jhalakathi, Barguna, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Feni, Cumilla, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Chandpur, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar and their nearby islands will be affected by the strong cyclone front and pressure differential. The lower reaches can be inundated by tidal surges 8-12 feet higher than normal tides.

Heavy rain (44-88mm over 24 hours) to very heavy rain (over 88mm in 24 hours) with gusty winds may occur in Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions under the influence of the severe cyclone.

The BMD has also warned that landslides may occur in the hilly areas of Cox's Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Chattogram due to heavy rain.

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