Bangladesh, India: Disruptions due to Cyclone Remal ongoing across parts of Bangladesh and eastern and northeastern India as of May 28 /update 1

Disruptions are ongoing across parts of Bangladesh and eastern and northeastern India as of May 28 following the passing of Cyclone Remal. The storm crossed the coast between the coastal regions of Bangladesh's Mongla port and the adjoining Sagar Islands in India's West Bengal state late May 26. The storm weakened rapidly upon making landfall and dissipated over central Bangladesh May 27. The remnants of the system are moving over eastern Bangladesh and into northeastern India May 28; further adverse weather is likely over the region in the coming days.

Authorities reported one fatality in Kolkata and another on the island of Mousuni in the Sundarbans delta in India due to falling debris. Four others have been killed by lightning across parts of West Bengal State. Authorities in Bangladesh have reported at least twelve fatalities due to floodwaters and falling debris. Three others were killed by lightning in the Dhaka area overnight May 27-28. Severe weather associated with the system also caused one fatality in Assam State in northeastern India May 28 and triggered several landslides in Aizwal District, Mizoram State, resulting in at least 15 fatalities, including 11 at a stone quarry. Authorities in Bangladesh have reported at least 35,000 homes have been destroyed across 19 districts and 115,000 other homes have been partially damaged during the passing of Remal. The storm caused severe damage to the power infrastructure across Bangladesh and eastern India, leaving almost three million people without power; authorities in Bangladesh shut down the electricity supply to many areas as a precaution. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata resumed operations as of early May 27.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is maintaining red extremely heavy rainfall, thunderstorm, lightning, and strong wind warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale) across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Tripura states May 28. Further orange and yellow heavy rainfall, thunderstorm, and lightning warnings are in place across parts of northeastern India through June 1. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall warning across much of the country through at least late May 28. Further showers and storms are expected over parts of Bangladesh May 29-30. Additional heavy downpours in the region will likely trigger additional flooding and landslides, as well as hamper ongoing recover efforts.

Protracted transport and business disruptions are almost certain in affected areas as emergency crews continue recovery efforts; utility disruptions will probably occur over the coming days and weeks. Shortages of fuel and other essential goods are likely. Driving conditions may be difficult on rural routes and regional highways.

Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding may increase the incidence of insect-borne and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.