Cyclone Remal has prompted the evacuation of 800,000 residents from coastal villages in Bangladesh as the nation braces for severe storm surges. Officials have closed ports and airports in preparation for the cyclone, which is expected to bring winds up to 130 kilometers per hour. Authorities are on high alert, warning of significant danger to the low-lying coastal areas.

Bangladesh’s Meteorological Department has forecasted the cyclone’s landfall late Sunday evening, with severe impacts expected in southern coastal regions and parts of neighboring India. Coastal villages are particularly vulnerable due to their low elevation, which could be overwhelmed by storm surges reaching up to 12 feet above the normal tide.

Local officials have raised the danger signal to its highest level, urging fishermen and coastal residents to evacuate. Volunteers have been mobilized to ensure that people in at-risk areas are moved to safety. However, some residents remain reluctant to leave their homes due to concerns about potential theft of their property.

In the town of Kuakata, fisherman Yusuf Fakir has sent his family inland while he stays behind to protect their belongings. This reflects the broader community’s anxiety and the disruption caused by the impending cyclone. Many locals fear the destruction that previous cyclones have wrought on their homes and livelihoods.

The cyclone has already caused a heavily laden ferry carrying more than 50 passengers to sink near Mongla. At least 13 people were injured in the incident, highlighting the immediate dangers posed by rough waters. Local police and rescue teams have been working to ensure the safety of passengers and provide medical assistance.

The government’s disaster management secretary, Kamrul Hasan, has confirmed that 800,000 people have been moved to cyclone shelters. Approximately 4,000 shelters have been prepared along the coast, designed to accommodate both people and their livestock. This extensive evacuation effort aims to minimize casualties and property damage.

In addition to evacuation measures, all three of Bangladesh’s major seaports and the Chittagong airport have been closed. The Kolkata airport in India has also shut down operations due to predicted heavy winds and rainfall. These closures are intended to protect infrastructure and reduce the risk of accidents during the storm.

On Bhashan Char island, which houses 36,000 Rohingya refugees, 57 cyclone centers have been made ready. The Indian Navy has prepared two ships equipped with aid and medical supplies, standing by for immediate deployment. These preparations highlight the regional cooperation and the extensive efforts to safeguard vulnerable populations.

While Bangladesh has historically faced devastating cyclones, improved forecasting and evacuation planning have significantly reduced the death toll in recent years. However, the increasing frequency of such storms due to climate change continues to pose a severe threat to the densely populated coastal areas.

Cyclone Remal is expected to impact a 220-kilometer stretch from India’s Sagar Island to Khepupara in Bangladesh. The storm’s approach is being closely monitored, with emergency services on high alert to respond to any developments. Residents are urged to follow official guidance and prioritize safety as the cyclone makes landfall.

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