Dhaka city experienced rainfall for the influence of the cyclonic storm ‘Dana’. Heavy rain began on Thursday (October 24) and continued the while day.
A farmer died after a tree branch fell on him during the storm caused by Cyclone Dana in Betagi in Barguna.
The deceased, Ashraf Ali, 55, a resident of Kismat Karuna village in Betagi Sadar Union, was on his way home from a betel leaf farm when the incident occurred around 11:00am. He is survived by three sons and two daughters, said Officer-in-Charge of Betagi Police Station, Ekramul Haque.
Local sources said a heavy branch of a Chambal tree snapped due to the storm and struck Ashraf, leaving him critically injured.
Locals rushed him to the Upazila Health Complex, where the on-duty doctor, Pinjoy Kumar Biswas, declared him dead upon arrival.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Farooq Ahmed expressed his condolences, adding that the upazila administration has already provided food assistance to the family, and financial aid will soon be given by the district administration.
Meanwhile, the Navy jetty at Inani Beach in Cox's Bazar has collapsed, splitting in two, following tidal surges in the Bay of Bengal. Locals suspect that the incident was caused due to the approaching Cyclone Dana.
The destruction of the jetty has created additional complications for travel to Saint Martin's Island.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Tanveer Hossain confirmed the jetty's collapse and said that efforts are underway to determine the exact cause of the incident.
Locals said that the sea was somewhat turbulent due to the cyclone. The highest tide occurred around 3am on Wednesday night, during which the jetty was struck by a barge that was tied to it.
Locals also said that they heard loud noises throughout the night as the barge was buffeted by the wind.
The Bangladesh Navy constructed the jetty in 2020 for an international naval exercise during Sheikh Hasina's government. Environmentalists have protested against its construction, arguing that it disrupts the long beach.
In 2022, following a writ petition filed by the Cox's Bazar Citizen Forum, the High Court issued a ruling for the removal of the jetty.
Since last year, tourist vessels have been operating through the jetty to Saint Martin's Island, and shipping companies were preparing for travel to the island starting November 1.
Meanwhile, the severe cyclonic storm Dana over East-central Bay and adjoining West-central Bay of Bengal moved North-Northwestwards and now lies over West-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining Northwest Bay and it is likely to intensify further over the time.
The cyclone centered at 6:00am on Thursday about 595 kms Southwest of Chattogram port, 555 kms Southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 485 kms South of Mongla port and 475 kms South-Southwest of Payra port.
It is likely to move North-Northwesterly direction and intensify further, according to the special weather bulletin by the Storm Warning Center.
Under the peripheral effect of the Severe Cyclonic Storm, heavy (44-88 mm) to very heavy (89mm) rainfall with gusty or squally wind may occur over North Bay, their offshore islands, chars and coastal areas of Bangladesh.
Maximum sustained wind speed within 64 km of the severe cyclone center is about 90kph rising to 110 kph in gusts or squalls. Sea will remain high near the cyclone center.
Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted local cautionary signal no-three.
All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice, the storm center bulletin added.
