Amphan devastates Sundarbans coastal areas
The total financial loss has been estimated to be around Tk448.11 crore
The super cyclone Amphan that swept over Bangladesh on Wednesday has left the coastal areas of the Sundarbans devastated with sheer brutality.
The vast areas of Koira and Dakop in Khulna adjacent to the Sundarbans coast have once again been devastated even before their recovery from the catastrophic cyclones Sidr and Aila.
Electricity was cut off in these areas – including in Khulna city – as millions of people spent the night in anxiety in the midst of intense storms.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
According to the district administration, 82,560 houses were destroyed and 5.45 lakh people affected in nine upazilas of Khulna.
In addition, there has been extensive damage to plants and crops with an estimated loss of Tk250 crore. Besides, 21,288 shrimps and whitefish enclosures have been washed away, incurring a loss of Tk198.11 crore.
The total financial loss has been estimated to be around Tk448.11 crore.
Meanwhile, according to the local administration, embankments have broken down due to high tidal waves, resulting in extensive damages.
Md Moinuddin Khan, forest conservator of the Khulna region (Sundarbans forest department), said initially it was believed the cyclone did not cause any major damage to the Sundarbans.
However, forest rangers and officials will now go to the spot and assess the damages to one of the largest mangrove forests in the world. Then it will be possible to give accurate information, he added.
"We have already visited several cyclone-affected places, including Batbunia in Dakop," said Khulna Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Helal Hossain.
Tins, cash and rice have been distributed among the victims on the instructions of the prime minister. The victims will be provided with all necessary assistance, he added.
