Sundarbans protects Khulna, mitigates Cyclone Remal damage

The Sundarbans has shielded the Khulna region from more severe damage by reducing wind speeds, as Cyclone Remal wreaked havoc in the district of Satkhira after making landfall in the coastal areas of Bangladesh and India late on Sunday.

Local journalist Asaduzzaman Asad reported from Burigoalini in Satkhira on Sunday night that while many trees had been uprooted and fish enclosures swept away by tidal surges, the Sundarbans had once again served as a vital protector.

Meanwhile, Aminur Rahman Alam, a resident of Munjitpur, called on the authorities to keep embankments secured to prevent river water from flooding localities. 

Oliur Rahman from Kaliganj expressed gratitude, saying: "Praise be to God, the Sundarbans protected the Satkhira coast once again."

Sultan Shahjahan, who lives in Shyamnagar, said many trees had been uprooted, blocking roads. The area continued to experience drizzle, gusty winds and raging rivers, he said, noting there might be cracks in embankments.

Zulfikar Ali of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department in Satkhira said the cyclone had crossed the district, with maximum wind speeds reaching 72kmph at 1 am and 66mm of rainfall recorded from the evening to 3pm.

Superintendent of Police Matiur Rahman Siddiqui said several trees had fallen on the Munshiganj-Shyamnagar road near the Sundarbans, halting traffic. 

Police, led by the officer-in-charge of Shyamnagar police station, cleared the road by cutting the trees with axes, he added.