Vast areas of Sundarbans under water, wildlife in Peril

A large area of the Sundarbans was flooded by a tidal surge on Sunday due to the influence of severe cyclone Remal, creating threat for different wild animals.

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."

Meanwhile, hundreds of freshwater reservoirs in the forest have sunk. As a result, there may be an acute shortage of fresh water for both livestock and forest workers.

Mihir Kumar Doe, the chief forester of the Khulna region, stated in the afternoon, "The cyclone has caused an abnormal pressure of water. On Sunday afternoon, the rivers flowing through the Sundarbans experienced a rise in water levels by several feet due to the high tide. In some areas, the water level rose by 5-8 feet. As a result, most of the eastern and western areas of the Sundarbans were inundated."

There is a fear of significant loss of wildlife due to the water surge caused by the cyclone. Most areas in the eastern and western regions of the Sundarbans are under water. With the habitats of various species, including deer, monkeys, and Royal Bengal tigers, being submerged, there is a concern about a massive loss of animal life.