Cyclone Remal: 37.58 lakh affected, 35,483 houses destroyed
The strong Cyclone Remal, located in Khulna's Koira, has turned to a deep depression after weakening, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department said in its latest bulletin.
It has moved northwards and weakened as a deep depression and is currently staying in Jashore and adjoining areas. Payra, Mongla, Chittagong and Cox's Bazar seaports have been asked to hoist local warning signal-3.
10:15pm
Water at Kalyanpur pumps close to danger level
The water level at Kallyanpur water pumps of Dhaka North City Corporation rose near the danger level due to heavy rainfall today.
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The height of water in the pumps reached 4.7 metres. It will cross the danger limit if it reaches 5 metres and cause waterlogging in low-lying areas, said Kalyanpur pump operator Md Masum.
"Now the water is going down the river with great speed but if there is heavy rain it will be difficult to pump the water and remove it," he added.
9:30pm
3.2 million children at risk as Cyclone Remal hits hard in coastal areas: UNICEF
As Cyclone Remal hits the coastal areas of Bangladesh, over 8.4 million people, including 3.2 million children, are at high health, nutrition, sanitation, and safety risks, according to UNICEF.
"From the information received to date, Bhola, Patuakhli and Bagerhat have been impacted the most with many upazilas being inundated," Sheldon Yett, UNICEF representative to Bangladesh, said in a statement today (27 May).
"UNICEF has been on the ground since the beginning and supporting the government in its early warning efforts while ensuring a swift and effective response to address the aftermath of the cyclone," reads the statement.
UNICEF has prepositioned supplies that include water purification tablets, jerrycans, mobile toilets, hygiene and family kits and more in 35 warehouses countrywide for distribution in the affected communities and shelters, it said.
"Additionally, we have two rapid response teams ready to be deployed to the most affected areas.
"Through our initial response, UNICEF plans to reach people in the coastal region including Rohingya Camps and Cox's Bazar. Critical funding gaps remain across all sectors to meet the immediate needs of girls, women, and persons with disabilities."
The UNICEF representative further said, "We are working closely with the Government and our partners to monitor the situation and ensure coordinated efforts to provide swift support and relief to those in need. Our priority is to protect the lives and well-being of the most vulnerable, particularly children, who are the most vulnerable during such disasters.
"We remain committed to standing by the people of Bangladesh through this challenging time and providing all necessary assistance to help them survive and recover from the aftermath of Cyclone Remal."
8:33pm
Ships fail to return to Ctg port as sea remains turbulent
No ships from the deep sea succeeded in returning to the Chattogram Port as of this evening (27 May) despite attempts by authorities after the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) issued a reduced danger signal.
As the impact of Cyclone Remal tore down the region, the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) took the initiative to bring back 19 large and 49 bulk cargo ships which were sent back to the deep sea during high tide yesterday (26 May).
"The ships could not be brought back to the jetties from deep sea due to inclement weather," said CPA Secretary Md Omar Faruk.
8:10pm
Schoolboy killed in roof collapse in Cumilla
A fifth grader has been killed after the roof of a newly constructed building collapsed on a school in Noagaon Choumuhoni area of Cumilla sadar upazila during the gusty winds caused by Cyclone Remal.
Victim Saiful Islam Sagor, 10, was a student of Nur Ideal School.
Citing witnesses, Cumilla Sadar South Police Station Officer-in-Charge Khademul Bahar said Sagor was the lone student attending class-V class today due to inclement weather on Monday (27 May).
"The roof of a newly constructed building collapsed on the school around 11:00am, leaving Sagor dead on the spot and injuring a teacher," said the OC.
Emranul Hossain Maruf, additional superintendent of police (Cumilla sadar south circle), said the accident occurred due to the negligence of the building owners.
He added that legal action will be taken against the building owners.
7:30pm
Fire service recovers 2 dead, rescues 4
The Fire Service and Civil Defence has recovered bodies of two people and rescued four individuals in separate accidents caused by the cyclonic storm Remal.
Saiful Islam Hridoy, 26, was killed when a wall collapsed in Chattogram's Chandannagar. Abdul Karim Khan, 65, was crushed by a tree in Barishal, said a press release by the fire service media cell.
Two others injured were rescued and sent to the nearest hospital.
In another incident, two people who were trapped in a car overturned by the storm in Dhaka's Keraniganj were rescued and sent to the hospital.
Fire service personnel have also been working to remove trees uprooted by the storm.
Till 5pm today, the fire service removed a total of 114 trees
In Chattogram, 19 trees were removed from roads and two from houses.
In Barishal, 55 trees were removed from roads and 10 from houses.
Around 18 trees were removed from roads in different parts of Dhaka.
Ten trees were removed from Rajshahi roads.
Moreover, a total of 120 people were sheltered at Galachipa fire station in Barisal.
Apart from this, 163 people were sheltered in different fire stations, including 17 in Barguna Patharghata fire station, 20 in Bhola fire station and 6 in Indurkani fire station.
7:20pm
1 dead; 76,000 homes destroyed in Khulna
A man died in Khulna's Batiaghata upazila today (27 May) after being crushed by a tree which uprooted by the impact of cyclonic storm Remal.
"Lal Chand was crushed by a tree when he was going home from a shelter this morning," District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Abdul Karim said.
The storm has destroyed around 76,904 houses, according to the district administration control room.
Around 52 wards of different unions and over 4 lakh people were directly affected.
6:50pm
37.58 lakh affected, 35,483 houses destroyed
Cyclone Remal has killed at least 10 people and affected at least another 37.58 lakh in 19 districts of the country, State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohibbur Rahman said today (27 May).
In a press briefing at the Secretariat, the state minister said 107 upazilas and 914 unions and municipalities of these districts have suffered losses where 35,483 houses were completely destroyed and 1,14,992 houses were partially destroyed.
6:30pm
Hundreds of beachside shops blown away, 30 villages flooded
The storm after Cyclone Remal's centre passed through Cox's Bazar has blown away hundreds of shops along the beach.
The heavy rains started around 10pm last night and persisted throughout this morning.
Local shopkeeper Aman Ullah said goods were blown away from 10 shops at Labni Point. He has been trying to save what's left.
Abu, a snail and oyster trader, said about Tk20,000 worth of goods were ruined by the rain.
Deputy Assistant Meteorologist of Cox's Bazar Meteorological Office Tofail Ahmed said 93 millimeters of rainfall was recorded in Cox's Bazar in 24 hours from 12pm on Sunday till 12pm on Monday.
He also said there is a risk of landslides. Sea levels are still 2-feet higher than normal. As a result, tidal water will enter the coastal area.
Locals and public representatives reported that 30 villages of Cox's Bazar were damaged by rain and tidal water.
Meanwhile, the district administration, the upazila administration and the municipality have been campaigning for people to take safe shelter in the hills due to the fear of landslides.
Cox's Bazar District Administrator Muhammad Shahin Imran said the executive magistrate and public representatives of the district administration are working to provide shelter to the vulnerable people in the hills.
Amidst all the damage, tourists were seen sea bathing or loitering about at the beach.
Masud Rana, Assistant Commissioner & Executive Magistrate (Tourism Cell, Development Cell) said, "For the last two days, we have been requesting tourists to stay off the beach, but they're not paying heed."
5:40pm
Cyclone Remal kills 16, snaps power links to millions in India, Bangladesh
Strong gales and heavy rain brought by cyclone Remal lashed the coastlines of India and Bangladesh on Monday, with the storm killing at least 16 people and cutting electricity supply to millions before losing intensity.
At least 10 people lost their lives in Bangladesh, disaster management chief Mijanur Rahman told Reuters, without providing details.
Two were killed as they headed to cyclone shelters, Rahman earlier said, adding that authorities will need more time to gauge the full extent of losses.
In India's West Bengal state, four people died due to electrocution, authorities said, taking the death toll in the state to six.
One person was crushed to death by falling concrete in the state capital of Kolkata, while a woman died when a mud home collapsed on the island of Mousuni in the Sundarbans delta.
5:20pm
10 international flights cancelled at Dhaka airport
A total of 10 international flights from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) were cancelled today (27 May) due to the inclement weather caused by Cyclone Remal.
Among the cancelled flights are Vistara Airlines' Delhi and Mumbai flights, IndiGo's Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai flights, Air India's Delhi flight and Jazeera Airways' two flights to Kuwait.
These flights were cancelled from midnight to noon, HSIA Executive Director Group Captain Kamrul Islam told The Business Standard.
A Chattogram-bound NovoAir flight from Dhaka failed to land after flying for two hours and then returned to Dhaka.
Also, Air Arabia's Shahjah to Chattogram, Salam Air's Muscat to Chattogram and Fly Dubai's Dubai to Chattogram flights landed in Dhaka due to the suspension of flights at Chattogram's Shah Amanat International Airport.
4:40pm
Dhaka North, Dhaka South open hotlines to address waterlogging
The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) today (27 May) opened separate hotline numbers to address waterlogging in the capital due to heavy rains caused by Cyclone Remal.
In a notification, the Dhaka North asked residents to call hotline number 16106 if water accumulates anywhere in their area.
Similarly, the Dhaka South issued a notification asking residents to call 01709900888 in case of waterlogging due to rainfall anywhere in their area.
3:50pm
90-100km/hour winds still blowing through Khulna, Barishal
Winds of 90-100km/hour speed are blowing through different upazilas of Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat districts in Khulna division and Pirojpur, Barguna districts of Barishal, said Meteorologist Mostofa Kamal Palash, a PhD researcher on meteorology and climate at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada.
The speed at which wind is currently blowing over Khulna and Barishal divisions is almost the same as when cyclone Remal made landfall in Bangladesh.
This data was obtained by analysing the images from the radar of the Indian Meteorological Department located in Kolkata.
Cyclone Remal is creating an example no cyclone has created in Bangladesh. There is a high probability that wind speed of more than 50 km/h will continue to blow over entire Bangladesh for another day, said Palash.
For at least another 24 hours, coastal areas will experience tides 3 to 6 feet higher than normal.
3:35pm
Maritime ports asked to lower the cautionary signal
Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to lower cautionary signals as cyclonic storm Remal crossed the coastal areas.
The ports were asked to hoist cautionary signal number three (r) three until further notice was issued.
Besides, All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay have been advised to remain in shelter till tomorrow morning (28 May) and then proceed with caution.
3:15pm
10,000 families stranded in Bagerhat
Cyclone Remal that brought strong winds and tidal surges have caused extensive damage to riverbanks, infrastructure, and homes across Bagerhat.
The cyclone's fury has damaged homes, uprooted trees, broken electric poles and severed power lines, leaving nearly 500,000 residents without electricity since Sunday night.
Deputy Commissioner Md. Khalid Hossain confirmed the preliminary data, indicating that 10,000 families have been stranded and 45,000 homes have been destroyed.
Approximately 70,000 residents have sought refuge in shelters throughout the district.
2:40pm
Power ministry issues essential cyclone safety advisory
As the country faces the impact of a powerful cyclone, the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources has urged everyone to follow these crucial electricity safety tips to stay safe:
- Avoid downed lines: Do not touch fallen wires. Report them immediately to the nearest electricity office.
- Report trees on lines: If you see trees or branches on power lines, notify the electricity office. Contact numbers can be found on your electricity bill.
- Stay away from poles and wires: Refrain from touching electric poles or wires during storms.
- Meter safety: If your meter wire is damaged or touches your roof, report it without attempting to handle it yourself.
- Volunteer help: Assist electricity workers if they need help during the disaster.
For assistance, call 16999 or reach out to the regional control rooms:
Rural Electrification Board: 01792-623467, 02-8900575
2:15pm
Cyclone Remal kills 6 in Barishal division
Strong gales and heavy rain brought by cyclone Remal lashed the coastlines of Barishal division, killing at least six people.
The most recent victim was identified as Karim, 65, who was found dead under a collapsed house in Patuakhali's Bauphal.
The incident occurred allegedly when Karim sought shelter in an abandoned house as the cyclonic storm battered the coast since yesterday evening. He is believed to have died when the house collapsed sometime during the night.
Bauphal UNO Md Bashir Gazi confirmed the incident, stating the body has been recovered and sent to the upazila health complex.
Shonit Kumar Gayen, officer-in-charge (OC) of Baufal police station, said the identity of the deceased has been confirmed.
The body will be handed over to relatives following official procedures, he added.
Among other victims, two people were killed by a wall collapse in Barishal city. In Kalapara, Patuakhali, a youth named Sharif drowned in floodwater. In Bhola's Daulatkhan, a child named Maisha died after a house collapse. Additionally, a woman named Moneja was killed when her house collapsed in Lalmohan upazila.
2:00pm
EC postpones polls in 19 upazilas due to adverse weather
The Election Commission (EC) has postponed polls in 19 upazilas of Bagerhat, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Pirojpur, Bhola, Jhalokathi, Barguna, and Rangamati, said Md Jahangir Alam, secretary of Election Commission Secretariat today (27 May).
1:25pm
Cyclone Remal leaves 1.55 crore people without electricity
The Palli Bidyut Samiti (PBS) has suspended electricity supply in several coastal areas of the country to prevent extensive damage caused by Cyclone Remal.
Many areas have been without power for the past 16 to 17 hours.
According to PBS sources, the electricity supply to 1.55 crore customers in different regions of Bangladesh's coastal belt has been halted since yesterday (26 May).
12:55pm
20 villages flooded in Khulna
Cyclone Remal has caused severe flooding and destruction in Khulna, affecting at least 20 villages.
The tidal surges led to breaches in embankments, resulting in widespread flooding, washing away hundreds of shrimp enclosures, and destroying numerous houses and shops.
Ships being brought back to Chattogram port
As the impact of Cyclone Remal diminishes, the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has taken the initiative to bring back the ships to the port.
The 19 ships that were sent back to the deep sea during high tide yesterday (26 May) will be brought back to the jetties of Chattogram port soon.
Additionally, 49 bulk cargo ships, which were obstructed from unloading goods and sent back to the deep sea, will also be brought back to the outer anchorage, confirmed Secretary of port authority Mohammad Omar Faruq.
11:15am
Remal to cross over Dhaka this afternoon: BMD chief
The centre of cyclonic storm Remal, currently moving through the eastern part of Jashore, is expected to hit the capital city around 3pm today (27 May).
Azizur Rahman, director of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), confirmed this and said the city will experience gusty winds and heavy showers at the time of its passing.
11:05am
Metro service resumes hours after power supply disruption halts movement
Metro rail service resumed at 11am after the service was halted earlier in the morning due to a technical glitch .
There was a problem with the power supply in the catenary line. After fixing the issue, railway movement was normalised around 11am, DMTCL Public Relations Officer Nazmul Islam Bhuiyan told TBS.
10:38am
Heavy rain, waterlogging in Chattogram
Chattogram has been experiencing heavy rain under the influence of Cyclone Remal, which resulted in flooding in the low-lying areas of the city.
According to Chattogram's Patenga Meteorological Office, 205.4 mm of rain was recorded in the city over the past 24 hours, from 9am yesterday (26 May) to 9am today (27 May).
This morning alone - between 6-9am, 132 millimetres of rainfall was recorded.
9:55am
Cyclone Remal weakens into cyclonic storm: IMD
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that Remal has weakened from a severe cyclonic storm to a cyclonic storm this morning and is expected to gradually weaken further.
In a weather bulletin, IMD said, "Severe Cyclonic Storm Remal over Coastal Bangladesh and adjoining Coastal West Bengal weakened into Cyclonic Storm at 0530hrs of the 27 May about 70km northeast of Canning and 30km westsouthwest of Mongla."
9:35am
River water levels surge 6 feet in Barishal, thousands trapped
After Cyclone Remal struck the Khepupara coast of Patuakhali around 10:30pm last night (26 May), the rivers in the Barishal division surged to dangerous levels and caused widespread flooding.
The cyclone raged through the night, exacerbating the situation with heavy rainfall.
Tajul Islam, deputy assistant engineer of the district Water Development Board, said water levels in some major rivers are flowing 1 to 1.5 meters above the danger mark.
According to the observers of the Water Development Board, the Kirtankhola and Meghna rivers rose up to six feet during high tide and flooded the adjacent areas. As a result, thousands of people are now waterlogged in six districts of the division.
They said it would take about a week for the water to recede.
9:15am
Chattogram airport resumes operation
Shah Amanat International Airport Authorities have resumed regular operational activities since 5am today (27 May).
Group Captain Taslim Ahmed, director of Shah Amanat International Airport, said the airfield as well as the runway are are fully operational with all navigational supports in place.
9:00am
Dhaka North's quick response team on duty
The impact of Cyclone Remad is beginning to be felt across the country.
The capital city has experienced heavy rainfall since last night, leading to flooding and waterlogging in various parts of the city.
Dhaka North City Corporation's quick response team has been deployed to address the issues, as students and officegoers seemed to suffer largely during the rush hours this morning.
8:30am
Dhaka wakes up to heavy rains and high winds
As cyclone Remal moves over Bangladesh, Dhaka city woke up to clouds blanketing the city with wind and rain pouring down.
Here is Dhaka this morning through the lens
8:00am
Cyclone Remal crossing Khulna, likely to weaken within hours: BMD
As Cyclone Remal crosses the coast of Bangladesh and continues to move northwards, it is likely to weaken into a cyclonic storm within 2-3 hours, according to the special weather bulletin of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).
Currently, the cyclone lies over Khulna's Koyra.
At a distance of 64 km from the cyclone centre, maximum sustained winds were measured at 90 km per hour, with gusts reaching up to 120 km per hour, reads the special bulletin.
7:30am
Dhaka, all other divisions to experience heavy rain: BMD
In the weather bulletin, the BMD forecast 8-12 feet high tidal surges in the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bbagherhat, Pirojpur, Jhalakhati, Barguna, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Chattogram, Cox's Bazar and their offshore islands and chars due to the peripheral effect of the severe cyclone and its steep pressure gradient.
Under the influence of the cyclone, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions are likely to experience heavy (44-88 mm) to very heavy rainfall (289 mm) with gusty/squally wind, it said.
Meanwhile, the maritime ports of Payra and Mongla have been advised to keep hoisted great danger signal no-10.
Maritime ports of Cox's Bazar and Chattogram have been advised to keep hoisted great danger signal no-9.
All fishing boats and trawlers over north bay and deep sea have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.
Earlier, Cyclone Remal made landfall on Bangladesh and started crossing the Khepupara coast on the southwest side of Mongla around 9pm Sunday (26 May).
7:00am
JUST cancels all academic and administrative activities
Jessore University of Science and Technology (JUST) has announced the closure of all classes, examinations, and offices today (27 May) due to Cyclone Remal.
Vice-Chancellor Dr Md Anwar Hossain confirmed the decision to journalists, stating that the university's transportation facility will remain closed until further notice.
10:40pm
Over 26 lakh coastal people without electricity
More than 26 lakh people have been kept without electricity in the coaster areas of Bangladesh to reduce the damage caused by Cyclone Remal.
According to sources from the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB), electricity supply to 2.56 lakh customers under 14 units of Palli Bidyut Samity has been suspended to avoid accidents due to the impact of the cyclone.
The leave of electricity workers in coastal areas has been cancelled.
9:00pm
Cyclone Remal hit Bangladesh's coasts last evening
The severe cyclonic storm Remal made landfall between the Bangladesh and West Bengal coasts and started crossing the Khepupara coast of Bangladesh from the southwest side of Mongla around 8:30pm on Sunday (26 May).
At the time, the gale speed reached 110 to 120 kmph, gusting to 135 kmph
The severe cyclonic storm moved through its anticipated trajectory northwards and will continue to do so before gradually weakening the next morning (27 May).
"The system would continue to move nearly northwards for some more time and then north-northeastwards and weaken gradually into a Cyclonic Storm by the morning of 27 May 2024," the IMD said in its weather alert.
