The Sundarbans, the vast mangrove forest, is expected to take the brunt of Cyclone Remal, which is predicted to hit with wind speeds up to 120 kph. This forest has previously protected Bangladesh from major storms such as Sidr, Aila, Bulbul, Amphan, and Yaas.
Although the Sundarbans is not directly in the path of Remal, a large portion of the cyclone will impact the forest when it makes landfall around 10 pm on Sunday. Meteorologists anticipate the cyclone will hit between Khepupara in Bangladesh's Patuakhali and Sagardwip island in India, potentially lashing the coast until at least midnight.
Md Azizur Rahman, the director of Bangladesh Meteorological Department, stated that while Barishal and Patuakhali will be heavily impacted, the Sundarbans will absorb much of the storm's energy, thereby reducing damage in those areas.
Samarendra Karmakar, a former director of the department, noted that the storm would likely affect a large area of the Sundarbans, including Hiron Point. He believes the forest will once again act as a shield, although there may still be a storm surge and crop damage. He also mentioned that Remal might not become very strong due to its short time to gain strength.
Sundarbans, A Shield Again
During Cyclone Sidr in November 2007, which had wind speeds up to 260 kph, the Sundarbans saved many lives despite the loss of around 3,500 people. Similarly, it protected the country during cyclones Bulbul and Yaas in 2019 and 2021, which caused fewer casualties.
In November 2023, Cyclone Midhili damaged trees and crops and resulted in nine deaths as it crossed near Khepupara. The Sundarbans is set to face another impact with Cyclone Remal.
Mihir Kumar Doe, the conservator of forests in the Khulna region, said preparations are in place to ensure the safety of people in the area, but the storm poses a significant threat to the forest's biodiversity. They are aware of the necessary actions to take before and after the storm.
Mohan Kumar Das, the executive director of the National Oceanographic and Maritime Institute, warned that infrastructure development at the cost of forest destruction and a recent fire have weakened the Sundarbans’ protective capacity. He stressed the importance of sustainable practices that do not harm nature.
Professor AKM Saiful Islam of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology highlighted that warming seas are causing storms to strengthen rapidly in the Bay of Bengal. He emphasized the need for research to confirm this and pointed out that recent cyclones have caused significant damage to the Sundarbans.