Severe Cyclone Remal Claims 16 Lives Across India and Bangladesh, Leaves Behind a Trail of Destruction

At least 16 people were killed after severe cyclonic storm Remal struck the coasts of India and Bangladesh, causing widespread damage. With wind speeds reaching up to 135 kph, the cyclone made landfall late Sunday, hitting Bangladesh's Mongla port and India's Sagar Islands before weakening on Monday morning.

Reports from coastal regions continue to raise the official death toll in both countries. In Bangladesh, at least 10 people lost their lives, according to disaster management chief Mijanur Rahman, while in India's West Bengal, six deaths have been confirmed, including four due to electrocution.

The cyclone's impact was severe, leaving behind a path of destruction. Trees were uprooted, electric poles were twisted, and roofs of thatched houses were blown away in districts such as North and South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore.

Low-lying areas in and around Kolkata experienced flooding, with significant waterlogging reported as the city received 144 mm of rainfall. The India Meteorological Department announced that Cyclone Remal on Monday weakened into a "cyclonic storm" and is expected to further diminish throughout the day.

A red alert has been issued in certain districts, with Murshidabad and Nadia expecting heavy rainfall. The cyclone is expected to move north-northeastwards and is expected to gradually weaken further as it moves away from the area.​