The devastation caused by Cyclone Rimal has resulted in the deaths of 10 people, as reported by State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md. Mohibbur Rahman.
He disclosed this information at a conference room in the Secretariat on Monday afternoon (May 27), discussing the post-cyclone situation.
He stated that 3,758,096 people in 19 districts have been affected, with 150,475 houses destroyed. Detailed information will be collected from each ministry to quickly provide assistance to the affected.
The State Minister confirmed that a total of 10 people have died so far: one in Khulna, one in Satkhira, three in Barishal, one in Patuakhali, three in Bhola, and one in Chattogram. They died due to collapsing houses, trees, and walls, or by drowning. A total of 19 districts have been affected, including Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Jhalakathi, Barishal, Patuakhali, Pirojpur, Barguna, Bhola, Feni, Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Chandpur, Narail, Gopalganj, Shariatpur, and Jessore.
A total of 107 upazilas and 914 unions and municipalities have been affected. The cyclone has impacted 3,758,096 people. Completely destroyed are 35,483 houses, and partially destroyed are 114,992 houses. Following the cyclone warning, 9,424 shelters were opened in coastal areas, providing refuge for over 800,000 people. Among them, 52,146 cattle including cows, buffaloes, goats, and sheep have also been sheltered. A total of 1,471 medical teams were formed to provide medical services to the affected, of which 1,400 teams are currently operational.
The State Minister said that relief activities have already started to help the disaster-affected people. So far, 68.5 million taka has been allocated for the affected. This includes 38.5 million taka in cash, 5,500 metric tons of rice, 5,000 packets of dry food, 15 million taka for purchasing baby food, and another 15 million taka for purchasing animal fodder.
He mentioned that under the guidance of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has taken extensive preparations over the past few days, resulting in minimized damage. By the grace of Almighty Allah, we have successfully managed to handle Cyclone Rimal.
The State Minister added that Cyclone Rimal struck the coastal regions of Bangladesh from Sunday evening (May 26), and its impact continues to be felt in extensive areas today. The cyclone has disrupted normal life in coastal areas by flooding, and several houses have been damaged. Continued rainfall has caused waterlogging in many places. We have coordinated pre-disaster activities with all government departments and are now continuing post-disaster activities.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department closely monitored and forecasted the cyclone, providing data for anticipatory actions and decision-making. We maintained regular communication with the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center and examined various reliable international forecast models to take timely actions. To manage the cyclone, the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry’s NDRCC has been open 24/7 for continuous information exchange. We have been collecting data on the cyclone’s damage since morning. I have personally communicated with the MPs of coastal districts to inquire about the local people. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is constantly monitoring the overall situation.
Highlighting that disaster management is an integrated activity, the State Minister stated that under the gracious direction of the Prime Minister, with the participation of all military and civilian administrations, representatives at various levels, political leaders, law enforcement agencies, various ministries, district and upazila administrations, the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, CPP, other volunteer organizations, Fire Service and Civil Defense, Armed Forces Division, and electronic and print media, we believe we have been able to manage this disaster effectively.
