Cyclone Sitarang wreaks havoc in Bangladesh, 7 people died, alert in Meghalaya and Bengal too
Cyclone ‘Sitrang’ formed in the Bay of Bengal hit the coast of Bangladesh on Monday morning. After hitting the coast, the storm brought destruction in many places. While houses were damaged in some parts, at least seven people, including three members of a family, have lost their lives due to falling trees. Meanwhile, the authorities have evacuated thousands of people to a safer place.
Death toll may rise
According to local media, the death toll could rise. A disaster ministry control room spokesman said Barguna, Narail, Sirajganj districts and the island districts of Bhola were the worst hit by the storm. At the same time, thousands of people and livestock have been evacuated from the Cox’s Bazar coast.
More than 28 thousand people were evacuated
At least 28,155 people and 2,736 cattle have been evacuated from the Cox’s Bazar coast and shifted to cyclone shelters by 6 pm on Monday, the Dhaka Tribune reported. While 576 shelters have been prepared as Cyclone Sitarang was moving towards Bangladesh.
Hurricane Sitarang is moving towards northeast at a high speed. Due to the formation of deep pressure, heavy rains have started in the coastal districts of South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas and East Midnapore of West Bengal. The Meteorological Department has also forecast heavy to very heavy rains in Tripura, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram during the next 24 hours. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea today.
Bengal CM Mamta appealed to the people
Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday made a special appeal to the people due to Cyclone Sitarang. He has advised people not to step out of the house unnecessarily. The CM said that people should not step out of the house until the effect of the cyclone is over. Mamta said that especially the Sundarbans and its adjoining coastal areas are likely to be affected by the cyclone.
