Photo: Messenger
The aftermath of Cyclone Remal has plunged approximately 470,000 customers of the Rural Electrification Board and Bangladesh Electricity Development Board (PDB) in 63 upazilas spanning 12 districts of the Mymensingh region into darkness. Since Monday afternoon, continuous drizzles accompanied by strong winds have disrupted daily life, causing widespread suffering among the public. Reports also indicate damages to plants, crops, vegetables, and residences in the affected areas.
Md. Jasim Uddin, Supervising Engineer of the PDB Mymensingh Region, reported that various electricity transmission lines were shut down due to the storm, with many lines torn after trees fell. Repair efforts are ongoing, with electricity department personnel working day and night to restore power. Currently, against a demand of 1,250 megawatts, only 150 megawatts are being supplied, significantly below requirement due to transmission line issues.
Md. Rezaul Karim, Supervising Engineer of the Rural Electrification Board (REB) Mymensingh Region, stated that the region has 3.8 million rural electricity customers in nine districts including Mymensingh, Kishoreganj, Sunamganj, Gazipur, Tangail, Sirajganj, Kurigram, Jamalpur, and Sherpur. As of now, only 1 lakh customers have electricity, leaving 3.7 lakh without power since Monday morning due to grid issues. He assured that power will be restored once the storm conditions improve.
The affected upazilas include 11 in Kishoreganj, 5 in Tangail, 1 in Gazipur, 4 in Kurigram, 2 in Gaibandha, 1 in Bogura, 2 in Sirajganj, and 2 in Sunamganj. Additionally, 35 upazilas in Mymensingh, Jamalpur, Sherpur, and Netrakona districts are impacted, totaling 63 upazilas in 12 districts under the REB Mymensingh Zone.
Continuous rain and gusty winds since 6:12 am on Monday have caused people to stay indoors, although some ventured out for work despite the adverse conditions. Workers have been seen struggling due to the weather. The Mymensingh Meteorological Office recorded 18 mm of rain since Monday morning, with wind speeds reaching 16 knots. Senior observer Monir Hossain indicated that torrential rain and gusty winds would likely continue through Tuesday, with a possibility of heavy rainfall in some areas.
Mukul Shahriar, a resident of Charpara, noted reduced traffic on the roads due to the weather, with vehicle drivers charging higher fares. Auto driver Ali Hossain admitted to charging slightly more, citing the need to compensate for the difficulties caused by the storm.
Messenger/Fameema
