Cyclone Roanu in Bangladesh

Cyclone Roanu struck Bangladesh on 21 May, leaving 26 dead and affecting hundreds of thousands of people.

The storm brought heavy rains which caused floods and landslides across the coast of the country in fifteen districts. It also brought a storm surge 2 m in height, which was responsible for most of the deaths when dams overflowed.

Roanu and the resulting floods and landslides tore through wooden homes and buried some villages. It is estimated that as many of 80,000 buildings were damaged and the storm also disrupted power and blocked some roads. In addition to the damage buildings suffered, the storm took a toll on agriculture, sweeping away crops and killing livestock.

Bangladesh often experiences cyclones during its storm season, and half a million people were evacuated to emergency shelters before Roanu arrived. The storm dissipated on 23 May, but it will take time for the affected districts to recover from the damage and tens of thousands of people currently lack clean water and food following the disaster. Bangladesh is receiving relief and international aid to help the victims.