Cyclone Remal Batters India and Bangladesh, Leaving 16 dead, Widespread Destruction

A powerful cyclone packing speeds of up to 135 kph struck the coastlines of India and Bangladesh on Monday, leaving at least 16 people dead and millions without power, Reuters reported yesterday.

Cyclone Remal, the first major storm of the year, brought strong gales and heavy rain, triggering flooding and infrastructure damage across the region.

In Bangladesh, over 8.4 million people, including 3.2 million children, were at high risk from the storm’s impacts on health, nutrition, sanitation, and safety. Authorities reported that at least 10 people were killed while nearly 35,000 homes were destroyed, with an additional 115,000 partially damaged. Power outages affected nearly 3 million people, while telecommunication services were disrupted for millions more.

In India’s West Bengal state, six people were killed, and significant damage was reported, including the uprooting of over 1,200 power poles.