24 killed as Cyclone Roanu hits Bangladesh

22 May, Dhaka

At least 24 people have been killed in Bangladsh, 13 missing and hundreds injured as cyclone Roanu made landfall at Chittagong-Noakhali coast last evening.

Heavy rain is lashing several areas of the country under the influence of the storm. The storm knocked down homes, toppled trees, breached dams, causing the fatalities in 7 coastal districts.

The damage has been greatest in Chittagong, Cox’s Bazaar, Bhola, Patuakhali and Laxmipur. Deputy Commissioner of Chittagong Mesbhahudin Ahmed said, at least 2 lakh homes have been damaged, crops worth around 15 crore takas, and fish, poultry and cattle worth around 100 crore takas have been destroyed in the storm.

A cargo vessel with 4 crew is still missing in the Meghna river. The storm swept away several hundred shops and shacks in touristy Patenga area of Chittagong.

Our correspondent reports that efforts are on to evacuate seawater that has inundated several warehouses in port area of Chittagong city. Meanwhile authorities are busy providing basic amenities and relief to over 5 lakh people who were evacuated to over 3500 storm shelters before the storm.