Millions of people are facing a dire situation in the aftermath of Cyclone Remal, which ravaged Bangladesh between May 27 and 28. The cyclone, with its devastating 135 kmph winds and heavy rainfall, has caused significant damage across several districts, leading to severe waterlogging, damage to infrastructure, and substantial losses in livestock, shrimp farms, crops, and orchards.
According to reports, the cyclone has resulted in 16 casualties, with Patuakhali being particularly hard-hit. Millions remain affected, grappling with disrupted power supplies and the challenge of inaccessible communication networks, which hampers the flow of critical information and aid.
State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief, Md Mohibbur Rahman, indicated that 3.75 million people across 19 districts have been affected. The government has opened 9,424 shelters, housing over 0.8 million people, and deployed 1,471 medical teams, with 1,400 currently operational. Despite these efforts, the scale of the disaster calls for broader community support and action.
The affected regions, including Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Jhalakathi, Barishal, Patuakhali, and others, are in urgent need of relief and rehabilitation. The flooding and heavy rains have devastated approximately 74,500 shrimp enclosures and impacted 0.2 million cattle and 0.9 million poultry birds, leading to severe economic losses for local farmers.
In this critical time, it is imperative for us as a nation to stand by the cyclone-affected people. Immediate assistance in the form of food, clean water, medical supplies, and temporary shelter is essential. Additionally, long-term efforts must focus on rebuilding infrastructure, restoring livelihoods, and enhancing disaster preparedness to mitigate the impact of future calamities.
Government, non-governmental organisations, businesses, and individuals should come forward and contribute to relief and rehabilitation efforts. Let us unite in solidarity and compassion to help our fellow citizens rebuild their lives and communities. Together, we can overcome this crisis.
Asif Islam
Student
Jahangirnagar University