Cyclone Remal: 37.58 lakh affected, 35,483 houses destroyed
“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is constantly monitoring the overall situation,” he said.
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.
"So far, 10 deaths have been reported in Khulna, Satkhira, Barisal, Patuakhali, Bhola and Chattogram," Mohibbur Rahman said.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
According to the ministry, Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Jhalakathi, Barishal, Patuakhali, Pirojpur, Barguna, Bhola, Feni, Cox's Bazar, Chattogram, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Chandpur, Narail, Gopalganj, Shariatpur and Jashore districts have been mainly affected by the severe cyclonic storm Remal.
The state minister informed that relief activities have been started for the disaster-affected people, allocating Tk6.85 crore along with 5,500 tonnes of rice and 5,000 packets of dry food for distribution.
"We have conducted pre-disaster activities in coordination with all departments of the government and now we are continuing post-disaster activities. I personally spoke to the MPs of the coastal districts on the phone to find out about the locals.
"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is constantly monitoring the overall situation," he added.
The state minister further said 9,424 shelters were opened in the coastal areas in view of the cyclone and more than 8 lakh people went to these shelters as well as local educational institutions.
A total of 1,471 medical teams have been formed to provide medical care to the affected people, out of which 1,400 teams are operational, he added.
Packing speeds of up to 135 kph, Cyclone Remal crossed the area around Bangladesh's southern port of Mongla and the adjoining Sagar Islands in India's West Bengal late yesterday, making landfall around 9pm before weakening this morning.
