Cyclone Remal: Villages flooded, electricity crisis hits 30 lakh consumers

Over 30 lakh consumers in the affected districts are without electricity due to the initial impact of severe cyclone Remal.

As a result of tidal pressure reaching seven to eight feet higher than normal, embankments in multiple districts, including Satkhira and Barguna, have been breached. Hundreds of villages in coastal low-lying areas have been inundated by the influx of water.

Abu Raihan Mohammad Al-Biruni, the Executive Engineer of the Bagerhat office of the Water Development Board, said, "On Sunday afternoon, the water in the main rivers of Bagerhat was flowing above the danger level. The rivers experienced a rise in water levels ranging from two to five feet. The Pashur River in Mongla has experienced the most significant increase in water levels."

A night without electricity on the coast

As the wind speed picked up and the intensity of the storm became apparent, coastal townships started losing electricity service one after another from the evening onward. Over 30 lakh customers in the districts have been disconnected due to trees breaking or falling in the gusty winds.

Rafiqul Islam, an official from the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB), anticipates that the extent of damage may incresee throughout the storm.

Another company responsible for power distribution in the urban areas of the coastal districts is the West Zone Power Distribution Company. However, some officials have stated that the distribution system in this company's area is functioning normally.

These officers have been assigned the task of managing area-specific control rooms during the storm.

During the stormy night, Palli Bidyut Samity suspended power supply in Bagerhat district. Power outages occurred as winds uprooted trees, knocking them onto power lines.