Cyclone Remal hits Bangladesh coasts
The districts under great danger signal 10 are Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Jhalokathi, Barguna, Barishal, Bhola and Patuakhali
The severe cyclonic storm Remal has started crossing the Khepupara coast of Bangladesh from the southwest side of Mongla around 8:00pm today (26 May), according to Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).
The center of the cyclone may move further north and cross the coast within 1-2 hours, Md Shamim Ahsan, Deputy Director of Cyclone Warning Center of BMD, said in a briefing.
Mentioning that the cyclone is approximately 400 km in size, he said its front entered the Sundarbans near the Khulna coast around 6:00pm today, resulting in heavy rains along the coast.
Azizur Rahman, Director of BMD, said due to the impact of the cyclone, heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds has started in the coastal districts.
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12:30am
Remal to complete crossing coast near southwest of Mongla by next 5-6 hours
Cyclone Remal is likely to move slowly in a northerly direction and may complete crossing the West Bengal-Khepupara coast near southwest of Mongla by next 5-6 hours, according to the BMD.
The severe cyclonic storm Remal over northwest bay and adjoining area moved slightly northwards over the same area and was centred at 9pm today (26 May) about 300 km west of Chattogram port, 305 km west of Cox's Bazar port, 115 km southwest of Mongla port and 135 km southwest of Payra port, the BMD said in a bulletin.
Maximum sustained wind speed within 64 km of the severe cyclone centre is about 90 kph rising to 120 kph in gusts/squalls, it said.
The BMD also forecast 8-12 feet high tidal surges during Remal's passage.
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.
12:07am
8 lakh evacuated
A total of eight lakh people of coastal areas have been evacuated to shelters till this evening.
State Minister of Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohibbur Rahman disclosed the information while briefing journalists at the Bangladesh Meteorological Department.
He said the cyclone was expected to pass Bangladesh coast around 11:00pm, going on to sweep over the country throughout the next three to five hours.
11:30pm
Heard of two deaths: State minister for disaster and relief
State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohibbur Rahman said he had heard about the death of two people so far due to Cyclone Remal but did not provide any confirmation.
He said this at a press conference organised by the Bangladesh Meteorological Department.
Stating that the fear of cyclone has not ended, the state minister said there may be high storm surges and strong winds.
He also said there are 9,000 shelters for the coastal people. "Besides, educational institutions have been kept ready. Food arrived at the shelters a day ago," he added.
11:00pm
Remal inundates several villages in Barguna
In Barguna's Patharghata, the water of Bishkhali and Baleshwari rivers is flowing 50 cm above the danger line under the influence of Cyclone Remel. Several villages have been inundated and thousands of people have become waterlogged.
"Due to excess water pressure in the river, it is taking time for the water to subside. Besides, about one kilometre of embankment is in a vulnerable condition in various parts of the district. A total of 800 geo bags have been kept ready for immediate repair in case these dams break," said Barguna Water Development Board Executive Engineer Md Rakib.
About 15 villages have been inundated in different parts of Patharghata upazila due to rising water. Hundreds of thousands of people in these areas are in dire straits due to water entering their homes.
Belayet Hossain, a resident of the Jintala area of Patharghata Sadar union, said more than 200 families are trapped in water outside the embankment due to the tidal pressure in his area.
Nurul Islam, a resident of Sadar union's Haritana area, said, "Due to high tides, the water in the canal is released and our area is flooded. Hundreds of people in these areas will not be able to cook today due to flooding."
Barguna administration sources said 422 tonnes of food grains as well as baby foods and cattle foods have been allocated to deal with Cyclone Remal. A total of 49 medical teams have been formed and Tk37 lakh cash is ready. Besides, there are 9,615 volunteers to conduct rescue operations.
10:30pm
Over 26 lakh coastal people without electricity for Cyclone Remal
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.
10.00pm
UK warns its citizens of Cyclone Remal threat in Bangladesh
The United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a travel alert for British nationals visiting Bangladesh.
The alert highlights the potential for very strong winds and heavy rain in southern coastal areas, particularly the Sundarbans, Khulna, and Barishal. British nationals are advised to closely monitor local authorities for updates and follow their instructions.
The FCDO offers travel advice to help British citizens make informed decisions. The travel alert emphasises the potential consequences of travelling against FCDO advisories. These consequences include invalidated travel insurance and limited consular support in high-risk areas.
In addition to the immediate cyclone threat, the FCDO also advises against all but essential travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts. This region, encompassing the districts of Rangamati, Khagrachari, and Bandarban, faces ongoing security concerns.
9.50pm
All rivers in Barisal flowing above danger level, hundreds of villages flooded
All the rivers in the division are flowing above the danger level due to Cyclone Remal hitting the coast. Consequently, low-lying areas have been flooded, with water breaching embankments, inundating hundreds of villages, and submerging crops.
The Bangladesh Water Development Board Sub-Assistant Engineer Tazul Islam told The Business Standard that the water of 11 important rivers of the division is flowing above the danger level.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department has expressed fear that the water may rise from 3 to 5 feet.
Meghna coast of Lakshmipur inundated
The water level in the Meghna River has surged due to Cyclone Remal hitting the coast, leading to flooding in coastal areas near Lakshmipur Sadar, Raipur, Kamalnagar, and Ramgati.
Executive Engineer of Lakshmipur Water Development Board Nahid Uz Zaman Khan told The Business Standard that the water level has increased by 1.3 to 1.6 metres.
"Another tide will come at night, then there is a possibility of surge if the cyclone crosses the coast," he added.
8:00pm
People taking shelter in Bagerhat's Sarankhola
In Kashempur, a village located in Bagerhat's Sarankhola and hit the hardest during SIDR in 2007, people have been taking shelter in brick buildings.
"Most of the locals have taken shelter inside the brick buildings of their neighbours. Those who couldn't are moving to cyclone shelters," said a resident of Kashempur village.
He said there have been frequent strong winds and light rain since the afternoon.
"We heard the storm would hit us after 9pm and have prepared for a night long storm," he said.
As of 8pm, Bagerhat Sadar has yet to experience any rainfall.
6:25pm
Cyclone Remal centre may take 3-4 more hours to cross: BMD
The centre of Cyclone Remal has not yet reached the coast. It may take another 3-4 hours, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department said this evening.
Meteorologist Md Bajlur Rashid told TBS at 6:25 pm, "The cyclone will take some more time to reach the centre. It is likely to cross the coast of West Bengal and Khepupara."
5:00pm
Ctg city corporation will use 81 educational institutions as shelters
The Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) has announced plans to use 81 educational institutions as shelters to combat Cyclone Remal.
In an emergency meeting today, the corporation also said it will have 24 medical teams ready.
Mayor Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said officials have been alerting the people staying in dangerous areas. A control room has been opened in Dampara.
"I have instructed ward councillors to monitor evacuation of people from the vulnerable areas of their respective wards. All departments of the CCC are active in dealing with any losses from the disaster.
If necessary, the assistance of the law enforcement agencies should be taken, he added.
Latiful Haque Kazmi, chief cleaning officer of the CCC, said in 41 wards, small teams have been formed to prevent rain water from flooding the drains.
The corporation's chief health officer Dr Imam Hossain Rana said, three medical teams will be active 24 hours in coordination with the control room.
4:30pm
Cyclone Remal centre to start crossing from 6pm: BMD director
The centre of Cyclone Remal will start crossing the Bangladesh coast around 6:00 pm today (26 May), said Md Azizur Rahman, director of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) .
"Currently, only the tip of the cyclone is hitting the coast. Its centre will start crossing the coast from 6:00 pm. It will continue for the next 3-4 hours. At this time, the wind will hit at full speed," he told The Business Standard.
So far, the cyclone is moving directly towards the north. The wind speed can go up to 90-120 kmph in some places, while others may experience up to 130 kmph.
He said gusty winds of 72 kms were recorded in Patuakhali shortly after 2:00 pm and 57 kms in Mongla.
Noting that the impact of the cyclone already started at the coast after noon, he said, "The cyclone will not be over if the centre crosses the centre. Afterwards there will be high winds, rain and tide."
He also mentioned that there has been heavy rainfall along the coast. There will be more rainfall when the cyclone's centre moves over Bangladesh.
"Around 200-300 mm of rainfall will occur in a day. Till this afternoon, there was 27-30 mm of rainfall in some places.
"Moderate to heavy rainfall may occur in Dhaka tomorrow throughout the day. It will start raining in Dhaka tonight."
4:30pm
Water enters villages on St Martin's island
Water has started to enter several villages on Saint Martin's island due to the sea level rise caused by Cyclone Remal.
"With the high tide, the height of the water in the Bay of Bengal has increased. As a result, we are using loudspeakers to move the island's residents to safe shelters," said Mujibur Rahman, the chairman of Saint Martin Union.
Regarding this matter, Syed Safkat Ali, the assistant commissioner (land) of Teknaf upazila, said, "In addition to ensuring a sufficient supply of dry food and water on the island, our medical team is also ready."
4:00PM
Mongla port prepares for Cyclone Remal: Emergency meeting held
The Mongla Port Authority held an emergency meeting today (26 May) to discuss the latest overall preparations for tackling Cyclone Remal.
The meeting held with the port's senior officials, chaired by Mongla Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral Shaheen Rahman this morning.
Yesterday, Mongla port was asked to hoist great danger signal 10.
The Mongla port has already cancelled all leave of port officials and employees. All types of port operations have also been suspended.
The meeting also informed that there are a total of 6 foreign ships in the port's Harbaria channel. Round-the-clock communication is being maintained with these foreign ships located in the port through VTMIS. Lighter vessels and dredgers located in the channel have been moved to safe places.
The 2,071 vehicles in the port have been kept in the port's various sheds, warehouses and car yards for safety. Internal containers and other cargoes in the jetty area of the port have been arranged and tied in a single tier in a disciplined manner to protect them from the effects of the cyclone. Cargo handling equipment has been properly tied down in the equipment yard.
In case of emergency, any ship falls into the storm, two tugboats and two rescue teams of Mongla port have been kept ready.
The supply of pure water to merchant ships and navy ships remains ongoing.
Overall security communication is being maintained with the 24 industrial establishments in the Mongla port area.
3:47pm
Cyclone Remal: Risk of landslides emerges in 5 districts
Rains, floods, water logging and now: landslides.
This is the latest risk identified by the Bangladesh Meteorological Department.
According to a special notification, landslides may occur in the hilly areas of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Rangamati, Bandarban, Khagrachari due to heavy rain owing to Cyclone Remal.
Locals in the risky areas have already been alerted.
Speaking to Prothom Alo, Deputy Commissioner of Rangamati Mohammad Mosharf Hossain Khan said, "We have come to know about the danger of landslides. The District Disaster Management Committee meeting has already been held. Announcements have already started and shelters have been prepared."
Rangamati district administration sources said that there are a total of 322 shelters in the district, including 29 in Rangamati city.
Khan said people would be brought to the shelters if the situation worsens.
The risk of landslides is also high in Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar. Three years ago, six people died in landslides in Cox's Bazar following 300mm of rain in 24 hours.
3:42pm
Biman cancels Dhaka-Jashore flights
Biman Bangladesh Airlines cancelled its scheduled flights on the Dhaka-Jashore route today (26 May) due to inclement weather caused by Cyclone Remal in the Bay of Bengal.
According to Biman sources, Jessore airport has not been declared closed yet.
"Biman operates flights on this route with Dash-8 aircraft. Due to strong winds, it is not possible to conduct flights with this aircraft. Therefore, the flights on this route have been canceled," the source added.
3:30pm
Bangladesh evacuates hundreds of thousands as a severe cyclone approaches from the Bay of Bengal
Bangladesh evacuated nearly 800,000 people from vulnerable areas on Sunday as the country and neighbouring India awaited the arrival of a severe cyclone that has formed over the Bay of Bengal.
The storm is expected to cross Bangladesh and India's West Bengal coasts around midnight Sunday.
The India Meteorological Department said it is expected to reach maximum wind speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour (75 mph), with gusts up to 135 kmph (85 mph) hitting West Bengal's Sagar Island and Bangladesh's Khepupara region on Sunday (26 May) night.
3pm
Waterways and flight services suspended in Barishal
As Cyclone Remal looms closer, authorities in Barishal district have declared the waterways and flight services suspended.
Since Sunday morning, along with incessant rainfall, wind speed has surged to 20 nautical miles per hour in Barishal, steadily increasing as the cyclone advances.
2:30pm
Weather in Barishal changing rapidly
The coastal regions of the Barishal division are witnessing rapid changes in weather situations as Cyclone Remal, formed in the Bay of Bengal, approaches the coast.
Kuakata, a potential centre of the cyclone's impact, has been experiencing continuous rainfall since midnight. Due to the heavy rain and strong winds, people were unable to go outside since morning.
The tides, accompanied by heavy rainfall, have also raised the water levels in canals, ponds, and rivers around Kuakata.
2:10pm
604 Khulna shelter centres ready as cyclone 'Remal' approaches
As the cyclone 'Remal' is approaching the coastal areas of the country and the met office asked the Mongla and Payra ports to hoist danger signal 10, the local administration has kept ready 604 shelter centres to accommodate evacuated people for safety.
The authorities asked people to take shelter at the nearby cyclone centres as early as possible while the government officials, the Coast Guard personnel and volunteers have started evacuation campaigns.
A trawler reportedly sunk near Mongla port in an apparent impact of the severe cyclone, and rivers in adjoining areas are already inundated by a one to two-feet high tide.
Rain has begun this morning and cloudy weather prevails at all coastal upazilas in the region.
Khulna Deputy Commissioner Khondokar Yasir Arefin said the district administration had prepared 604 cyclone centres and three 'Mujib Kella' for 3,15,610 people and opened control rooms in all nine upazilas and DC's office.
He hoped people will take refuge in shelter centres with their livestock by this afternoon.
All UNOs have been asked to take action to evacuate coastal people before cyclone 'Remal' hit, he added.
Leave of all officials, employees, doctors and nurses has been cancelled and kept on standby to face any situation due to the cyclonic storm.
Over 5,280 volunteers, including members of the Red Crescent Society and 168 medical teams with health workers, have taken preparation to cope with the upcoming disaster, the DC said.
2pm
Coastal communities in Khulna, Satkhira brace for impact
As the cyclonic storm 'Remal' approaches with high speed, tension has gripped the residents of the country's southern and southeastern coastal areas, which are the most vulnerable to such natural disasters.
In Shyamnagar upazila of Satkhira, many people were seen voluntarily repairing weak embankments overnight. Cyclone centres in Khulna and Satkhira districts are already filling up with people seeking safety.
In Satkhira, 30 km out of 380 km of embankments are at risk.
The coastal areas of Khulna and Satkhira have a history of being battered by cyclones. Cyclone Aila struck on 25 May 2009, followed by Mahasen on 16 May 2013, Komen on 30 July 2015, Roanu on 21 May 2016, Mora on 30 May 2017, Fani on 4 May 2019, Bulbul on 10 November 2019, Amphan on 20 May 2020, Yaas on 26 May 2021, Asani on May 12 2022, Sitrang on 25 October 2022, and most recently Cyclone Mocha.
These cyclones have caused significant damage, breaking embankments and flooding areas like Koyra, Dakop, Assasuni, and Shyamnagar, leaving lasting scars.
1:50pm
Leave of all govt officials cancelled
The leave of officials of all ministries, divisions and subordinate offices has been cancelled to tackle the possible aftermath of Cyclone Remal.
State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief, Md Mohibur Rahman, announced it after today's inter-ministerial meeting at the secretariat.
01:30pm
Cyclone Remal grounds air travel to Ctg, Cox's Bazar and Kolkata
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has suspended all flights on the Dhaka-Chattagram-Dhaka routes from 12pm to 8pm today, says Group Captain Kamrul Islma, executive director Dhaka airport
Additionally the flight on the Dhaka-Cox's Bazar-Dhaka route has been declared closed from this morning until further notice.
Meanwhile, there will not be any flights operating on the Dhaka-Kolkata routes until further notice, says Kamrul Islam.
12pm
Cyclone Remal 200km south of Payra
As of 12pm, Cyclone Remal was located 335 kilometres southwest of Chattogram port, 315 kilometres southwest of Cox's Bazar, 220 kilometres south of Mongla, and 200 kilometres south of Payra, according to the special bulletin.
It may continue to move further north and intensify.
The sustained maximum wind speed within 64 kilometres of the cyclone centre is 90 kilometres per hour, increasing to gusts of up to 120 kilometres per hour.
Ctg airport activities suspended till 5:30am
The activities of Chattogram Shah Amanat International Airport will remain closed till 5:30am on Monday in view of cyclone Remal.
All operational activities of this airport have been suspended from 12 noon today to avoid possible damage by the cyclone.
The time will further extend if the situation does not improve, said Chattogram airport director, Group Captain Taslim Ahmed.
11:55am
All flights suspended at Barishal Airport
All flights to and from Barishal Airport have been suspended by authorities due to cyclone Remal which is now close to Payra Sea Port in Barishal.
This information was confirmed by Sirajul Islam, the manager of Barishal Airport.
09:30am
Mongla, Payra to hoist great danger signal 10, Chattogram 9: BMD
Bangladesh Met Office has advised hoisting great danger signal 10 for Mongla and Payra ports as well as nine coastal districts as severe cyclonic storm Remal is nearing the coast.
The districts under great danger signal 10 are Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Jhalokathi, Barguna, Barishal, Bhola and Patuakhali.
The maritime port of Chattogram and Cox's Bazar have been advised to hoist great danger signal 9, according to a special bulletin of the Met office.
9:15am
Ctg port issues 'alert no 4,' halts all activities ahead of Cyclone Remal's landfall
All activities at Chattogram port have been suspended until further notice due to inclement weather.
The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has issued the port-specific "Alert No 4" due to Cyclone Remal after the Met Office asked the port to hoist great danger signal 9.
Last night, "Alert No 3" was issued at the port. All loading and unloading activities at the jetty were suspended, and all ships in the outer harbour were sent to the deep sea to prevent damage from the strong winds and waves during the cyclone.
As of 9am this morning, Cyclone Remal was located 380 kilometres southwest of Chattogram port, 340 kilometres southwest of Cox's Bazar, 295 kilometres south of Mongla, and 265 kilometres south of Payra, according to the special bulletin.
It may continue to move further north and intensify.
The sustained maximum wind speed within 64 kilometres of the cyclone centre is 90 kilometres per hour, increasing to gusts of up to 120 kilometres per hour.
The sea near the cyclone centre is extremely rough.
Due to the impact of Cyclone Remal, coastal districts such as Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Jhalokathi, Barguna, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Cumilla, Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, and nearby islands and low-lying areas may experience eight to twelve feet higher tidal surge than the usual, leading to flooding, said the special bulletin signed by Meteorologist Md Hafizur Rahman.
The bulletin also said heavy rain could occur in the entire country under the influence of Cyclone Remal.
Meteorologist Mostofa Kamal Palash, citing analyses from Japanese satellites and Indian Meteorological Department radar images, said the periphery of the cyclone has begun to impact the coastal districts of Khulna Division in Bangladesh and West Bengal in India.
"Images from the Kolkata-based radar of the Indian Meteorological Department indicate that a drizzle from the approaching cyclone has started in the coastal areas of Satkhira, Khulna, and Bagerhat," he wrote in a Facebook post today.
He added that squally winds, reaching speeds of 60 to 70 km/h, have begun blowing over West Bengal's Medinipur and South 24 Parganas districts, as well as the Khulna Division in Bangladesh.
