Powerful Tropical Cyclone Hit Bangladesh Leaving 24 Casualties, Widespread Power Outages and Thousands Stranded

A tropical cyclone became catastrophic in Bangladesh after it unleashed heavy rains and strong winds, damaging homes and properties.

Local authorities have immediately responded to help affected communities in Bangladesh and return the power supply.

(Photo : by RABIN CHOWDHURY/AFP via Getty Images)
Sitrang

According to AccuWeather, a powerful Tropical Cyclone Sitrang developed in the central portion of the Bay of Bengal on the weekend (Sunday afternoon), maintaining its tropical storm's strength as it approached Bangladesh's coast.

With the potential impact, local authorities evacuated people who could be affected. The Associated Press (AP) added that hundreds of thousands of people were brought to shelters before the storm made landfall.

According to the AP, Tropical Cyclone Sitrang unleashed flooding rainfall in southwestern and southern Bangladesh.

Moreover, AccuWeather and the AP reported that the cyclone resulted in over 24 casualties. About eight million had no power or electricity because of the impact on power distribution lines.

In addition, the report added that nearly 20,000 were stranded, 10,000 homes were damaged, and impacted thousands of fishing.

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On Tuesday, the report said that the tropical cyclone weakened with 65 kilometers (40 miles) maximum sustained wind speeds per hour and up to 85 kph (53 mph) wind gusts.

The same day, Tropical Cyclone Strang lost its wind intensity.

As the weather becomes better, the airports have been reopened.

On the other hand, AccuWeather explained that Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, records about or up to 85mm (3.5 inches) of rain in the entire month of October.

However, the Tropical Cycle Sitrang caused 434mm (17 inches) of rain in 48 hours, which was five times what was expected for monthly rainfall.

Tropical Atlantic

Meanwhile, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring the development of three areas over the tropical Atlantic.

The NHC has been looking into a potential tropical depression or tropical storm that could emerge from the Bermuda, eastern Caribbean Sea, and north of Puerto Rico.

Furthermore, the report added that the low-pressure system brewing in Bermuda could become a tropical depression, but it would be short-lived.

However, communities near Bermuda should expect heavy rainfall and gusty winds.

What to do after the cyclone

According to the reports, the tropical cyclone that hit Bangladesh claimed lives, leaving millions without power and thousands stranded.

The aftermath of Tropical Storm Sitrang caused catastrophic damage to families and communities.

As communities and residents began to return from evacuations, the cyclone could have debris from damaged power lines or houses.

After the storm, stay updated with the local authorities and weather updates, especially when returning to your homes after evacuations. If power lines are damaged, battery-powered radios would be helpful.
Be careful with debris, floodwaters, downed power lines, or properties.
Immediately notify local authorities if any of your family is missing. Seek immediate medical help if you are injured.
As you return to your house, check for damages. Be cautious with electrical writing, and it is advisable to consult a professional electrician.
Watch out for road closures and clearings due to the tropical storm's aftermath.