Post by : Raina Mansoor
Photo : AFP
Cyclone Remal Leaves Trail of Devastation in Bangladesh and India Cyclone Remal wreaked havoc as it made landfall in low-lying regions of Bangladesh and neighboring India on Sunday evening, unleashing fierce gales and relentless waves. The aftermath witnessed at least 38 casualties, thousands of homes destroyed, seawalls shattered, and cities inundated across both countries.
Bangladeshi meteorological experts, in a grim assessment on Tuesday, described Cyclone Remal as one of the fastest-forming and longest-lasting cyclones they had ever encountered, attributing the phenomenon to climate change. The storm battered Bangladesh for over 36 hours, surpassing the duration of previous cyclones like Cyclone Aila in 2009.
Azizur Rahman, Director of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, highlighted the unprecedented duration of the cyclone's impact, emphasizing its relentless assault on the country's coastline.
Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel
The calamity extended beyond fatalities and structural damage. Remal triggered torrential rains, causing severe flooding and breaching embankments, leading to saltwater intrusion into agricultural lands and freshwater fish farms. The disaster's toll reached approximately 3.75 million affected individuals, with over 35,000 homes completely destroyed and another 115,000 damaged.
The storm's swift formation and prolonged duration underscored the alarming influence of climate change. Meteorologist Rahman emphasized how Remal rapidly intensified from a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal, a phenomenon rarely witnessed in recent decades. He stressed that while cyclones typically take seven to eight days to evolve into severe cyclones, Remal accomplished this in just three days, indicative of climate change's accelerated impact.
Despite advancements in forecasting and evacuation procedures, Remal's wrath still claimed lives and inflicted widespread damage. Many residents, despite evacuation advisories, chose to remain to protect their homes, leading to tragic outcomes. Victims succumbed to drowning, debris, falling trees, and electrocution, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The devastation extended to essential infrastructure, with over 20 million people in Bangladesh left without electricity due to widespread destruction of power lines and poles. In India, the storm claimed 21 lives, including quarry workers in Mizoram and casualties in West Bengal and Assam.
The Sundarbans mangrove forest, a vital natural barrier, mitigated some of Remal's impact, highlighting the critical role of mangrove ecosystems in shielding coastal areas from cyclonic fury. However, the broader threat of mangrove ecosystem collapse due to climate change, deforestation, and pollution looms large, underscoring the urgent need for global climate action.
Bahrain & Saudi F1 Races Cancelled Amid Middle East Conflict
F1 cancels Bahrain and Saudi Grands Prix due to Middle East tensions, cutting the season to 22 races
Revolution Wind Starts Power Supply to New England Homes
Revolution Wind, halted under Trump, begins sending clean energy to New England, powering 350,000 ho
WADA May Bar Trump, US Officials from 2028 LA Olympics
WADA considers new rules that could block Trump and US officials from LA 2028 Olympics over unpaid d
Tshepo Balozwi’s Journey of Resilience and Starting Again in Dubaiz
From career advocate to starting again in Dubai, Tshepo Balozwi’s journey shows resilience, humility
Explosion Targets Jewish School Wall in Amsterdam
An overnight blast hit the outer wall of a Jewish school in Amsterdam. No injuries were reported. Po
Ghaitah Al Ain Festival 2026 to Celebrate Eid with Family Fun
Ghaitah Al Ain Festival returns from March 20–27, 2026 at ADNEC Al Ain Centre with live shows, famil
UAE, Ethiopia Leaders Boost Trade, Security Cooperation
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum meets Abiy Ahmed in the UAE to strengthen trade, investment and touri
Bank of Baroda Faces Abu Dhabi Legal Battle over NMC Collapse
Bank of Baroda’s involvement in Abu Dhabi litigation tied to the NMC Healthcare collapse raises repu
Top Museum Openings of 2026 Set to Transform Global Tourism
From Los Angeles to Abu Dhabi and Brussels, 2026 brings major museum launches—Lucas Museum, Guggenhe
UAE Tour Highlights UAE’s Strength in Hosting Global Sports Events
Abu Dhabi Sports Council says the successful UAE Tour reflects the UAE’s leading role in hosting maj
EU Seeks Clarity from US After Supreme Court IEEPA Ruling
European Commission urges full transparency from the US on steps after Supreme Court ruling, emphasi
SpaceX Launches 53 New Satellites for Expanding Starlink Network
SpaceX launches 53 Starlink satellites in two Falcon 9 missions, breaking reuse records and expandin
RTA Awards Contract for Phase II of Hessa Street Upgrade in Dubai
Phase II of Hessa Street Development to add bridges, tunnel, and upgraded intersections, doubling ca
UAE Gold Prices Today, Monday 16 February 2026: Dubai & Abu Dhabi Updated Rates
Gold prices in UAE on 16 Feb 2026 updated: 24K around AED 599.75/gm, 22K AED 555.25/gm, and 18K AED
Over 25 Ahmedabad Schools Receive Bomb Threat Email, Authorities Investigate
More than 25 schools in Ahmedabad evacuated after bomb threat emails mentioning Khalistan. Authoriti