Cyclone Sitrang has hit Bangladesh killing about sixteen people, snapping power and communication lines in the southern and southwestern coastal regions of the country, officials said. Around 10 million people are still surviving without power in the coastal districts of the country, while schools remain shut across southern and southwestern regions.
The cyclone triggered heavy downpour and flooding in many areas including the capital city, Dhaka.
The cyclone originated in the Bay of Bengal before turning towards Bangladesh’s coast. The Officials had already evacuated thousands of people to safe shelters late on Monday. However, the full extent of casualties and damages would be known only after restoring communications.
On Monday, the authorities paused all river vessel operations across Bangladesh, asked fishing boats to return from the deep sea and remain anchored in the Bay of Bengal, and closed three airports. Thousands of people were evacuated in eastern Indian state West Bengal as well. But there were no reports of damage and people would return home on Tuesday.