4 Dead as Cyclone Remal Ravages Bengal, Leaves Millions Without Power

Kolkata: Cyclone Remal, the year’s first cyclonic storm in the region, unleashed its fury upon the coastal areas of India and Bangladesh on Monday. The powerful cyclone brought fierce gales and heavy rainfall, leaving at least four people dead and plunging millions into darkness due to widespread power outages.

Authorities in both nations successfully evacuated nearly a million people to shelters, with Bangladesh sheltering around 8,00,000 and India sheltering 1,10,000. These efforts are credited with limiting fatalities, despite some reluctance from residents to leave their homes and belongings.

Packing winds up to 135 kph (84 mph), Remal made landfall near Bangladesh’s Mongla port and India’s Sagar Islands on Sunday night. The storm weakened throughout Monday, transitioning into a depression and bringing more rain to northeastern states in India.

While the full extent of the damage is still being evaluated, reports indicate power outages impacting millions, uprooted trees and damaged infrastructure, and some embankments breached by high tides.

Kolkata experienced disruptions to flights, trains, and roads due to flooding and fallen trees. Bangladesh also suspended operations in some ports.

India deployed navy ships, aircraft, and personnel for potential rescue operations, while Bangladesh prepared nearly 8,000 cyclone shelters and mobilized volunteers in anticipation of the storm.