Bangladesh has been hit hard by Cyclone Remal, causing significant damage and loss of life. According to reports, the cyclonic storm claimed the lives of 10 people as it struck the country's coastal areas on Sunday night, the Dhaka news reported, citing State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief, Md Mohibbur Rahman.
The storm resulted in the damage of over 150,000 houses across the affected regions. State Minister Md Mohibbur Rahman disclosed that among these, 35,483 houses were completely destroyed in 107 unions and 914 municipalities across Bangladesh. He addressed the media at the Secretariat on Monday, providing updates on the devastation caused by Cyclone Remal.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department reported that Cyclone Remal completed its landfall and weakened to a land depression over Bangladesh by Monday.
The fatalities included three individuals in Bhola and Barisal districts each, and one each in Satkhira, Khulna, Chittagong, and Patuakhali districts. Md Mohibbur Rahman stated that the storm had affected 19 districts, including Jhalakathi, Barishal, Patuakhali, Pirojpur, Barguna, Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Bhola, Feni, Cox's Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Chandpur, Narail, Gopalganj, Shariatpur, and Jessore.
A total of 9,424 shelters were opened in the coastal districts, providing refuge to more than 800,000 people and 52,146 domestic animals. Rahman mentioned that due to the preventive measures taken as per the directives of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, major damage was avoided.
To assist those affected, Tk 6.85 crore has been allocated, with Tk 3.85 crore for relief, 5,500 tons of rice, 5,000 packets of dry food, Tk 1.50 crore for baby food, and Tk 1.50 crore for animal fodder distributed across 15 districts.
Regarding the impact on international flights, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport cancelled 10 flights due to Cyclone Remal and adverse weather conditions. Additionally, two flights faced disruptions to their schedules. Executive Director Group Captain Md Kamrul Islam shared the details on Monday, reporting that 10 flights were cancelled due to the severe weather.
Minister Md Mohibbur Rahman mentioned that 1,471 medical teams were formed, with 1,400 teams remaining active to provide medical care in the cyclone-affected areas.
Concerning Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to the affected regions, Rahman stated, "We have heard about it and contacted the Prime Minister's Office. We will inform you once the program is finalized."
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