Violent storms triggered by depression have swept Bangladesh's
south and southeastern coastal belt, leaving at least 10 people
dead and over 100 fishermen missing in the Bay of Bengal.
The storm struck the country's southern districts of Barisal,
Bhola, Barguna, Noakhali, Patuakhali, Bagerhat, Faridpur and
Rangamati Monday night, triggering heavy rain, tornado and
landslide and leaving 10 killed and over 150 injured.
Several islands in these districts were inundate by tidal surge
up to four feet (1.2 meter) high as the depression has developed in
the Bay of Bengal four days ago.
Hundreds of thatched houses were destroyed, crops were damaged
and innumerable trees and electric poles were uprooted during the
nature's scourge, one in a series this calamitous season. House
collapse, landslide and crashing trees caused the casualties.
Telephone lines and power supply were snapped in most of the
affected districts aggravating misery of the people and making it
difficult for the local administration to conduct rescue and relief
operations in remote villages and islands.
Besides, over 100 fishermen with 18 trawlers went missing in the
Bay of Bengal amid the inclement weather since Monday afternoon,
coastguard officials in southern Bagerhat district said.
The government has banned movement of ferry services in 108
river routes. All river vessels were advised to stay in safe places
until further notice.
Land depression was however weakened into a well-marked low and
lies over the capital of Dhaka and eastern Comilla regions Tuesday
morning, said a meteorologic office bulletin.
It said squally weather may continue to affect the country's
maritime ports of southeastern port Chittagong, Cox's Bazar and
southwestern port Mongla. They were advised to keep hoisted local
cautionary signal number three. All fishing-boats and trawlers over
the north Bay have been advised to remain in shelter till further
notice.
(Xinhua News Agency October 17, 2007)
