The Sundarbans is expected to shield Bangladesh from another storm by taking the first impact of Cyclone Remal, which is likely to target the coasts with a wind speed of up to 120kph. Meteorologists say the storm will cross the coasts somewhere between Khepupara in Bangladesh’s Patuakhali and India’s Sagardwip island. SUNDARBANS, A SHIELD AGAINWhen Cyclone Sidr lashed the coasts in November 2007 with a wind speed of up to 260kph, around 3,500 people died, but many others were saved because of the Sundarbans, which suffered extensive damage. The mangrove forest shielded Bangladesh again in 2019 and 2021 when cyclones Bulbul and Yaas claimed 24 and seven lives respectively. “If the wind and storm surge hit [human habitats along the coasts] directly, there would be more damage,” Prof Saiful said.

Source: bd News24 May 26, 2024 16:34 UTC