On Sunday night, Cyclone Remal tore through the low-lying areas of Bangladesh, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Among the hardest-hit were the hundreds of shrimp enclosures that were washed away, dealing a severe blow to the region’s shrimp industry. The storm, which made landfall between Khepupara and West Bengal’s Sagar Island, weakened after crossing onto land, but not before causing significant damage.

Widespread Destruction and Loss of Life

The cyclone’s impact was devastating, with at least 10 people losing their lives and over 30,000 homes destroyed. In the coastal districts of Satkhira, Khulna, Begarhat, Patuakhali, Bhola, and Barguna, heavy rains and wind-driven surges inundated vast areas, submerging villages and damaging infrastructure. The loss of shrimp enclosures disrupts the livelihoods of many local farmers.

The violent storm also led to widespread power outages, leaving over 20,000,000 people without electricity. This disruption extended to mobile networks and internet services, further complicating recovery efforts. The loss of power has severely affected communication and the ability to coordinate relief efforts.

Efforts to Rehabilitate Affected Areas

In response to the disaster, multiple agencies have mobilized to aid in rehabilitation. The Khulna District Administration, Mongla Port Authority, Bangladesh Navy, Bangladesh Coast Guard, and Fire Service and Civil Defense are actively working to assist the affected populations. These efforts are crucial in helping communities recover and rebuild, especially those dependent on the shrimp industry.

The cyclone caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including around 61 kilometers of embankments in Khulna, Satkhira, and Bagerhat. The Water Development Board has reported partial damage to these critical structures, which play a vital role in protecting the low-lying areas from flooding.