Cyclone threat looms over Sundarbans coast in May, experts urge preparedness
S. M. Saiful Islam Kabir, Sundarbans.
A potential cyclone is once again looming over the coastal areas of the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southwestern Bangladesh.
Historically known as a rich fishing ground, the region has seen repeated cyclones strike during May. Notably, Cyclone Remal wreaked havoc across the coast in May last year, and earlier, the devastating Cyclone Amphan had also hit during the same month. Statistics reveal that five out of the seven major cyclones formed in the Bay of Bengal over the past five years occurred in May.
This year too, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department has issued a forecast indicating similar threats. According to India’s West Bengal Meteorological Department, a low-pressure system may form over the Andaman Sea between May 16 and 22 and is likely to intensify into a cyclone between May 23 and 28. The potential cyclone may impact the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal in India, as well as Khulna and Chattogram in Bangladesh.
Weather and climate researcher Mostofa Kamal Polash has stated that the cyclone may make landfall between May 27 and 30 along the Odisha–Myanmar coastal belt. Concurrently, another cyclone may also form over the Arabian Sea.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has named the two potential cyclones ‘Shakti’ and ‘Manta.’ Polash notes that if the Arabian Sea cyclone dissipates first, the Bay of Bengal system may become comparatively stronger.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department has issued a warning for six districts—Rangpur, Dinajpur, Bogura, Tangail, Mymensingh, and Sylhet—predicting thunderstorms with wind speeds of up to 60 km/h and heavy rainfall until 6:00 PM on May 22.
This information was detailed in an official bulletin signed by meteorologist Md. Shahinul Islam.
Experts emphasize the urgent need for early preparedness, relief planning, and precautionary measures in vulnerable coastal zones, noting that historically, May has witnessed the deadliest and most destructive cyclones in the region.
