Bangladesh, India: Disruptions due to Cyclone Remal ongoing across parts of Bangladesh and eastern and northeastern India as of May 31 /update 2

Disruptions are ongoing across parts of Bangladesh and eastern and northeastern India as of May 31, 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 tracked over eastern Bangladesh and into northeastern India May 28-31; 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. Severe weather in northeastern India associated with the system also caused five fatalities and 18 injuries in Assam, four fatalities in Nagaland, two fatalities in Manipur, and two fatalities and 500 injuries in Meghalaya states and triggered several landslides in Aizwal District, Mizoram State, resulting in at least 30 fatalities, including 14 at a stone quarry. Authorities in Bangladesh have reported at least 16 fatalities due to floodwaters and falling debris. Three others were killed by lightning in the Dhaka area overnight May 27-28.

In West Bengal State, more than 200,000 people were evacuated to temporary shelters. Around 2,500 houses were destroyed, while 27,000 others were partially damaged. 40 houses in Nagaland, 29 in Meghalaya, and six in Tripura states have also been destroyed. Flooding has affected almost 200,000 people from nine districts of Assam. Authorities have set up 110 relief camps and distribution centers, where more than 35,000 people have taken shelter. Parts of several highways are closed due to landslides, including the National Highway 6 at Hunthar. The Haflong-Silchar road is cut off due to damage near Harangajao, while multiple landslides have blocked the Haflong-Harangajao route. Train services in the Lumding-Badarpur section, covering much of Dima Hasao District, including the Haflong-Badarpur rail route, have been canceled due to landslides. Ferry services on rivers in Assam State remain suspended, while all classes remain closed. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata resumed operations as of early May 27.

Authorities in Bangladesh have reported more than 40,000 homes have been destroyed across 19 districts, and 131,000 other homes have been partially damaged during the passing of Remal. Almost 3.5 million people have been affected, including more than 807,000 people evacuated to 9,424 evacuation centers. 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.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is maintaining orange heavy rainfall and lightning (the middle level on a three-tier scale) across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya states May 31-June 2. Further yellow heavy rainfall, thunderstorm, and lightning warnings are in place across most of the rest of northeastern India through June 3. Additional heavy downpours in the region will likely trigger additional flooding and landslides and hamper ongoing recovery 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.