Bangladesh lashed by cyclone Reshmi

DHAKA: Bangladesh's southern and southwestern areas were lashed by Cyclone Reshmi early on Monday that brought in its wake gales at 80 kmph and heavy rains, disrupting shipping and fishing activities.

Even the interiors, right up to capital Dhaka and beyond were hit by the inclement weather caused by the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal.

The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal grew into Cyclone Reshmi on Sunday, according to the Met office.

It had Sunday said that hopefully there would be fewer casualties and minor damage as the Sundarbans might prove a bulwark too strong for Reshmi to wreak havoc, the Dailystar reported.

As per the last release, the cautionary signal for maritime ports was raised to four from three at daytime. It also said the storm may cause sea surges at least four feet higher than normal astronomical tides.

Besides, heavy rains were forecast to lash the country over the 24 hours beginning 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Meanwhile, ceaseless gales and rains crippled life in the capital and elsewhere for the second consecutive day on Sunday.

Prone to natural disasters, Bangladesh was hit by Cyclone Sidr in November last year. It affected a million hectares of land killing over 3,000 people and destroying crops and fish.