Sundarbans incurs over Tk6 crore damage, 40 animal dead

Cyclone Remal has caused significant damage to the Sundarbans. Initial reports indicate that the forest department in the Sundarbans has incurred a loss of approximately Tk 6.27 crore due to this storm. Mihir Kumar Doe, Conservator of Forests of Khulna Region, confriemerd the matter.

Despite the passing of the storm, its impact lingers in the Sundarbans. By Tuesday night, authorities had recovered the remains of 40 wild animals scattered across various parts of the forest.

Mihir Kumar Doe reported, "As of Tuesday night, 39 deer and one wild boar were found deceased. Numerous freshwater ponds have been inundated with saltwater, and over 70 jetties have been damaged. Furthermore, 17 deer were rescued alive."

The storm uprooted trees and caused damage to forest department jetties, freshwater ponds, and other infrastructure.

AKM Iqbal Hossain Chowdhury, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) for the Satkhira Range, said, "The Sundarbans remains our steadfast protector, akin to a mother. Despite this, the recent storm has inflicted damage, including broken roads, submerged ponds, eroded banks, and infrastructural harm to several camps."

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Sundarbans Eastern Division Kazi Mohammad Nurul Karim said, "The tin sheds of the Patharghata station in the Eastern Forest Division's Dublar Char, Sheller Char, Kochikhali, Katka, Sarankhola, and Barguna districts have been demolished by the storm. Furthermore, the wooden jetty at Katka Center has been swept away. Freshwater reservoirs intended for forest workers, fishermen, water buffaloes, and wild animals have been inundated, with saltwater intrusion."

"Our wireless communication system has sustained damage in numerous locations. The small trawlers stationed at various camps were harmed by the high tide. The strong winds resulted in the breaking of trees and bushes within the forest. Additionally, several wildlife fatalities have been reported," he added.