Cyclone Yaas
Cyclone Yaas: 2 reported dead in Bangladesh
At least two deaths were reported Wednesday as Cyclone Yaas triggered storms and floods in the coastal areas of Bangladesh.
Reports sent in by UNB correspondents indicate that dozens of houses have been damaged and low-lying areas inundated, cutting off road communication in some areas.
In Bhola, a man was killed after being hit by a falling tree branch during a storm triggered by Yaas in Lalmohan upazila of Bhola on Tuesday.
The deceased was identified as Abu Taher, 48, a local farmer. Bhola Deputy Commissioner Md Tawfiq-E-Lahi Chowdhury said Tk 20,000 has been provided to Taher’s family as assistance.
Bhola has been seeing drizzle and strong wind since Wednesday morning. Cyclone Yaas has made landfall in India’s Odisha.
Also read: Severe cyclonic storm Yaas weakens after hitting Odisha, WB coast
Child drowns in Bagerhat
Meanwhile, four-year-old Jinia died this afternoon after drowning near her house in Morrelganj upazila of Bagerhat.
Morrelganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Delwar Hossain said that the roads and drains of the Upazila have been inundated due to an unusual increase in the water level of Panguchi River.
Jinia fell into the overflowing drain and drowned, he said.
Low-lying areas inundated in Khulna
Low-lying areas in Koyra, Dacope and Paikgachha upazilas of Khulna were inundated by tidal surge triggered by Cyclone Yaas.
The residents of the upazilas have been experiencing light rains or drizzles since Wednesday noon and the local administration has opened over 1,000 cyclone shelters.
Also read: Impact of cyclone Yaas: Child drowns, 5000 families stranded in Bagerhat
The local met office, meanwhile, recorded 21mm rainfall in the past two days.
Lighter vessels sink in rough sea
Twelve crew members were rescued after a lighter ship capsized in the Bay of Bengal today in the rough sea near Bhasanchar due to the impact of Cyclone Yaas.
Squadron Leader Saiful Alom of Bangladesh Air Force, in charge of the rescue operations, confirmed UNB about the development.
“Two rescue helicopters reached the spot within a very short time from Patenga Air Force Base and rescued 12 crew members who were floating in the middle of the sea,” he said.
In Chattogram, the coastal areas of Patenga have been submerged in tidal waters due to the impact of the cyclone. Water is entering the locality through the embankment damaged by the strong waves, according to our correspondent.
Also read: Ship capsize: Air Force helicopters rescue 12 sailors
50 houses destroyed in Jhenaidah
Three persons were injured while some 50 houses were damaged in a storm at Armukhi village in Sadar upazila of Jhenaidah on Tuesday night.
Kabir Hossain, chairman of Naldanga Union, said a two-kilometre stretch of the village from Kutipara to West Para was flattened during the storm lasting for about 15-20 seconds.
The low-lying areas of Burigoalini union in Satkhira's Shyamnagar upazila have been inundated following heavy showers and the onrush of river water.
Some 15 areas, including Gabura, Koikhali, Munshiganj and Padmapukur in the Burigoalini area of the upazila, were flooded Tuesday night after the river water level rose by three-to-four foot.
However, hardly anyone has taken shelter at the cyclone shelters till Wednesday morning despite repeated appeals by the local administration.
Impact of cyclone Yaas: Child drowns, 5000 families stranded in Bagerhat
A four-year-old child named Jinia died on Wednesday afternoon by drowning in tidal water near her house in Morrelganj upazila of Bagerhat.
Morrelganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Delwar Hossain said that the roads and drains of the Upazila have been inundated due to unusual increase in water level in Panguchi river because of cyclone Yaas.
"A child today died by drowning after falling into a drain which was filled with tidal water adjacent to her house,” he added.
Meanwhile, at least 5000 families in Sarankhola, Morrelganj and Mongla upazilas have been stranded as water level in the rivers adjacent to these places have gone up due to the impact of cyclone Yaas.
Cyclone Yaas: Low-lying areas go under water in 3 Khulna upazilas
Low-lying areas in Koyra, Dacope and Paikgachha upazilas of Khulna district were inundated by tidal surge triggered by Cyclone Yaas that made a landfall in eastern India on Wednesday.
The residents of the three upazilas have been experiencing light rains or drizzles since Wednesday noon and the local administration has opened over 1,000 cyclone shelters.
Besides, volunteers, Red Crescent workers and members of law enforcement agencies are working to tackle the situation and ensure safety of the people living in coastal areas of the country.
Read:Cyclone 'Yaas': 1 killed, low-lying areas inundated in Bhola
Amirul Azad, a senior meteorologist at Khulna regional met office, said low-lying areas are likely to be inundated by tidal surges of 3-4 feet high due to the full moon phase and cyclone Yaas.
The local met office, meanwhile, recorded 21 mm of rainfall in the past two days in the district.
Mohammad Azizul Haque Zoardar, district relief and rehabilitation officer, said 1,048 cyclone shelters have been kept ready in nine upazilas of the district.
Besides, there are 724 schools, colleges and madrashas which will be turned into shelter centres, if needed, as those have the capacity to accommodate 4 lakh people.
Besides, he said, 116 medical teams are working in the district.
The Executive Engineer of Satkhira Water Development Board-2, Rashidur Rahman, said 24 points of 155-km long embankment in Koyra upazila has been identified as a risky one.
If the tidal surges go up to 8-10 feet above the normal astronomical tide, then it will be difficult to save the embankment, he said, adding that they are on alert.
Koyra Upazila UNO Animesh Biswas said there are 118 cyclone shelters in the upazila which can accommodate 65,000-70,000 people.
ABM Khalid Hossain Siddique, the UNO of Paikgachha upazila, said 108 shelters having the capacity of accommodating 59,000 people have been prepared. Some 3,000 volunteers are ready to evacuate people, if necessary.
Read:3 injured, 50 houses destroyed in storm ahead of Yaas
Besides, 11 medical teams are ready to provide treatment, Khalid said.
Khulna Police Super Mahbub Hasan said a committee has been formed in each ward to tackle both the pre- and post-cyclone situations.
Yaas likely to hit Odisha-Bengal coast by noon
The very severe cyclonic storm 'Yaas' is likely to move north-northwestwards further and may cross the northern Odisha-West Bengal coast by Wednesday noon.
Around 3 am on Wednesday, Yaas was centred about 515 kms southwest of Chattogram port, 505 kms southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 320 kms south-southwest of Mongla port and 350 kms south-southwest of Payra port, the Met office said in a special bulletin.
The maximum sustained wind speed within 84 kms of the very severe cyclone centre is about 130 kmph, rising to 150 kmph in gusts or squalls. Sea will remain very high near the very severe cyclone centre, the Met office said.
Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted local cautionary signal number three (r) three.
The districts of Khulna,Satkhira, Bagerhat, Jhalakati, Pirojpur, Barguna, Patuakhali, Barisal, Bhola, Noakhali, Feni, Laxmipur, Chandpur and Chattogram and their offshore islands may experience wind speed of up to 80-100 kmph in gusts or squalls with heavy to very heavy showers during the passage of the storm.
Also read: Cyclone Yaas: Low-lying districts flooded as water level rises
Under the influence of very severe cyclone and the full moon phase, the low-lying areas of the districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Jhalakati, Pirojpur, Barguna, Patuakhali, Barisal, Bhola, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur and Chattogram are likely to be inundated by 03-06 ft height above normal astronomical tide.
Also read: Cyclone Yaas: Maritime ports in Bangladesh asked to hoist signal No 3
All fishing boats and trawlers over the north bay and deep sea have been advised to remain in shelter until further notice.
Severe cyclonic storm 'Yaas' lies over northwest Bay, adjoining area
Severe cyclonic storm "Yaas" over northwest bay and adjoining area moved northwestwards further and now lies over the same area.
It was centred at 12 noon on Tuesday about 565 kms southwest of Chattogram port, 525 kms southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 455 kms south , southwest of Mongla port and 445 kms south - southwest of Payra port, said a special bulletin of Met office.
Read:Millions threatened as cyclone spells double trouble in Bangladesh, India: IFRC
It is likely to move northwestwadrs further and may cross West Bengal coast by Wednesday noon (26 may 2021).
Maximum sustained wind speed within 64 kms of the severe cyclone centre is about 89 kph Ristng to 117 kph in gusts or squalls.
Sea will remain high near the severe cyclone centre.
Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted distant warning signal number two (r) two.
The coastal district of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Jhalakati, Pirojpur, Barguna, Patuakhali, Barishal, Bhola, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur and Chattogram and their offshore islands and chars are likely to experience wind speed up to 80-100 kph in gusts or squalls with heavy to very heavy falls during the passage of the storm.
Read: Cyclone Yaas: Satkhria authorities gear up to handle situation
Under the influence of the full moon phase, the low-lying areas of the districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Jhalakati, Pirojpur, Barguna, Patuakhali, Barishal, Bhola, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur and Chattogram are likely to be inundated by 02-04 feet height above normal astronomical tide.
All fishing boats and trawlers over north bay and deep sea have been advised to take shelter and remain in shelter till further notice.
Thousands evacuated in India as strong cyclone inches closer
Tens of thousands of people were evacuated Tuesday in low-lying areas of two Indian states and moved to cyclone shelters to escape a powerful storm barreling toward the eastern coast.
Cyclone Yaas is set to turn into a “very severe cyclonic storm” with sustained wind speeds of up to 177 kilometers per hour (110 miles per hour), the India Meteorological Department said. The cyclone is expected to make landfall early Wednesday in Odisha and West Bengal states.
The cyclone coming amid a devastating coronavirus surge complicates India’s efforts to deal with both just 10 days after Cyclone Tauktae hit India’s west coast and killed more than 140 people.
Read: Yaas intensifies into severe cyclonic storm
Thousands of emergency personnel have been deployed in coastal regions of the two states for evacuation and any possible rescue operations, said S.N. Pradhan, director of India’s National Disaster Response Force. India’s air force and navy were also on standby to carry out relief work.
Fishing trawlers and boats have been told to take shelter until further notice as forecasters warned of high tidal waves.
In West Bengal, authorities were scrambling to move tens of thousands of people to cyclone shelters. Officials said at least 20 districts in the state will feel the brunt of the storm.
Last May, nearly 100 people died in Cyclone Amphan, the most powerful storm in more than a decade to hit eastern India, including West Bengal state. It flattened villages, destroyed farms and left millions without power in eastern India and Bangladesh.
“We haven’t been able to fix the damage to our home from the last cyclone. Now another cyclone is coming, how will we stay here?” said Samitri, who uses only one name.
Read: After Tauktae, India braces for Cyclone Yaas
In Odisha, a state already battered by coronavirus infections, authorities evacuated nearly 15,000 people living along the coast and moved them to cyclone shelters, senior officer Pradeep Jena said.
In a televised address Monday, the state’s chief minister, Naveen Patnaik, appealed to people being moved to cyclone shelters to wear double masks and maintain social distancing. He asked authorities to distribute masks to the evacuated people.
“We have to face both the challenges simultaneously,” Patnaik said.
Cyclone Yaas: Satkhria authorities gear up to handle situation
Authorities in Satkhria district have taken all pre-emptive measures to prevent the loss of lives and property in view of the Cyclone ‘Yaas’ nearing Bangladesh. The cyclone is likely to make landfall on Wednesday.
At a recent emergency meeting, the local administration decided to use 1,500 schools, colleges and madrasas and dedicated 145 cyclone centres to rehabilitate people living in the coastal areas of the district. "Already these proposed shelters have been cleaned," said an official.
Read: Yaas intensifies into severe cyclonic storm
The forest department has also taken all necessary steps to ensure safe evacuation of fishermen, honey collectors and wood collectors from the Sundarbans, another official said.
The coastal areas of the district have been witnessing light showers since morning, giving people the much-needed respite from the scorching heat.
Meanwhile, there has been a rise in water level of rivers, from one to 1.5 feet, creating panic among local people.
SM Mostafa Kamal, deputy commissioner of Satkhira, said “We have taken all necessary preparations in view of the cyclone. Tk 2.15 crore and 83 metric tonnes of food grains have been allocated. Members of the Red Crescent have been kept on standby."
Read: Cyclone Yaas: Maritime ports in Bangladesh asked to hoist signal No 2
Besides, the risky embankments in the coastal areas are being repaired with the help of the Water Development Board.
According to the Satkhira Water Development Board, nearly 50 per cent portion of the 700km embankments in the district have been found to be either risky or vulnerable. "The repair work is underway," said an official.
Bangladesh prepared to face cyclone Yaas, says minister
State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Mohammad Enamur Rahman has said that all preparations have been completed to deal with approaching Cyclone Yaas.
The field level officers of the concerned districts and Police, Ansar, BGB and CPP (Cyclone Preparedness Program) volunteers have been kept on standby for emergency response, he said on Monday.
The state minister was briefing an official meeting on cyclone preparedness at the conference room of the ministry in the Secretariat.
Also Read: Cyclone Yaas: Maritime ports in Bangladesh asked to hoist signal no 2
However, the minister said that the risk of Cyclone Yaas hitting the coast of Bangladesh is very low.
“We are keeping a close watch on Cyclone Yaas. Our observation will continue until it is over,” he told the meeting.
He said, “If for any reason it changes direction, we will take our people to shelters. Shelters have been set up. People have also been asked to be ready.”
Earlier on May 22 Dr Enamur said that Cyclone centers, three times more than required, are being set up in compliance with health guidelines keeping in mind the coronavirus situation to provide shelter to coastal people if Cyclone Yaas strikes Bangladesh.
The minister said that authorities are aiming to bring all the people in need of shelter to the cyclone centers in an attempt to keep the mortality rate zero in case the cyclone hits Bangladesh.
Earlier Monday,the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra were advised to hoist distant warning signal No 2 on Monday instead of cautionary No 1 as the depression over the Southeast Bay and adjoining Andaman Sea intensified into cyclonic storm ‘Yaas’.
The depression over East-Central Bay and adjoining area moved north-westwards and intensified into a cyclonic storm ‘Yaas’ over the same area.
In a special weather bulletin, the Met Office said at 6 am today, it was about 775 kms south-southwest of Chattogram port, 605 km south-southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 650 km south of Mongla port and 605 km south of Payra port.
It is likely to intensify further and move in a north-north-westerly direction.
The sea will remain very rough near the depression centre.
All the fishing boats and trawlers over the North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution. They were also advised not to venture into the deep sea.
How Cyclone Yaas was named
As Bangladesh, along with West Bengal and Odhisa, braces for Cyclone Yaas here is how the cyclone was named so, how and why.
The cyclone names are given by countries in the region on a rotation basis.
The name ‘Yaas’, has been given by Oman, in accordance with a standard procedure.
The word Yaas is believed to have originated from the Persian language and it means Jasmin in English.
Read:Cyclone Yaas: Maritime ports in Bangladesh asked to hoist signal No 2
The practice of naming tropical cyclones started years ago. The countries in the Northern Indian Ocean region began it in 2000. The names are listed alphabetically country-wise, and are neutral gender wise, according to an article in public.wmo.int.
In the Atlantic and in the Southern hemisphere (Indian ocean and South Pacific), tropical cyclones receive names in alphabetical order, and women and men’s names are alternated.
It was done for quick identification of the cyclones in weather warning messages. It is also said to be easier for the media to use it in reports. Such names also increases community interest and helps better preparedness, said the article.
Another cyclone coming, alerts PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday urged all to remain alert as cyclone ‘Yaas’ may hit Bangladesh in a couple of days.
"Another cyclone is coming, it’s just forming now (in the bay)," she said.
The Prime Minister said this while inaugurating as well as laying the foundation stones of 225 facilities of the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry.
Read:Cyclone Yash: Thrice the usual number of shelters being prepared due to Covid
The programme was held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium and the Prime Minister joined it virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban.
Of the total facilities, 110 are Multipurpose Cyclone Shelters, 30 Flood Shelters, 30 District Relief and Disaster Management Information Centers and 5 Mujib Killas.
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of 50 Mujib Killas across the country.
Sheikh Hasina said: "We’ve already started taking adequate precautionary measures [to face the cyclone]. Inshallah, we’ll remain cautious, we’ll be able to reduce risks."
According to the meteorological office, a low-pressure area is brewing over the north Andaman Sea and the adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal, which could intensify into a cyclonic storm.
The storm is then likely to move north-westwards and reach the Odisha-West Bengal-Khulna coast around May 26 (Wednesday), according to the weather department.
Read:PM to inaugurate 140 cyclone and flood centres on Sunday, says minister
Meanwhile, the government has prepared cyclone centres three times more than what was required in compliance with health guidelines, keeping in mind the coronavirus situation, to provide shelter to coastal people if Cyclone Yaas hits Bangladesh.
The Prime Minister said Bangladesh has to face various types of natural calamities like cyclone and flood due to its geographical location. "Sometimes manmade disasters also hit Bangladesh. We’ve to move on tackling all this. We’re moving one and we’ll keep on moving.”
Hasina said the government had taken numerous steps to face difficulties during every calamity and put emphasis on averting any possible loss of human lives.
Regarding deaths in thunderbolt strikes, the Prime Minister said once people used to plant palm-trees near their houses and that saved human lives naturally from thunderbolts.
"Once people had forgotten that. Now that sense of necessity (planting palm trees) has returned," she said, mentioning that the government has taken all-out efforts to save people from any calamity.
Read: Cyclone brewing over Andaman Sea 'may hit Bangladesh coast'
Talking about the future generations, she said the government has taken the Delta Plan 2100 to make Bangladesh a developed country from the developing one.
A video on the contributions of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was also screened at the programme.
State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Mohammad Enamur Rahman, Secretary of the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry Mohammad Mohsin also spoke at the programme.