The private weather agency ‘Bangladesh Weather Observation Team’ (BWOT) has reported the formation of a cyclone in the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to hit Bangladesh with strong force between May 25 and 26. Once the cyclone forms, it will be named ‘Remal’. There is a possibility it could strike the Sundarbans in the country.
According to the agency, the monsoon winds have crossed the equator and are entering the northern Indian Ocean and adjacent southern Bay of Bengal. Due to this, a cyclone has been present in the southern India, Sri Lanka, and surrounding areas for several days, gradually moving towards the southwestern and south-central Bay of Bengal. It may turn into a well-marked low-pressure area by May 22.
Initially, it may gain strength and move northeast but is likely to maintain a northwesterly course afterward. The cyclone could potentially impact the eastern coast of India’s Odisha state to Bangladesh’s Sundarbans. It is predicted to be a ‘Category-2’ cyclone with wind speeds ranging from 95 to 145 kilometers per hour.
Potential Impact in Bangladesh:
Scenario 1: If it strikes the western coastal areas of Sundarbans, low-lying coastal areas of Khulna and Barishal could experience several feet of storm surge. Additionally, heavy rainfall could occur almost nationwide.
Scenario 2: If it strikes Odisha, heavy rainfall may occur in Chattogram and Barishal due to the ‘outer convergence zone.’ The Khulna region may also experience direct impacts from the cyclone.
