Cyclone Remal made landfall on the coast of Bangladesh at 8 pm on Sunday, bringing heavy rain and wind to the whole country.

According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the cyclone's center has now crossed the coast and is expected to weaken into a normal cyclone within two hours, eventually dissipating into a low-pressure area.

Meteorologist Muhammad Abdul Kalam Mollick confirmed the cyclone's landfall and its weakening trajectory earlier this morning.

“Cyclone Remal is currently heading towards Khulna and Koyra. It is still classified as a severe cyclone, but it is expected to weaken into a normal cyclone within two hours and eventually dissipate into a low-pressure area,” said Mollick.

The impact of the cyclone, including residual rain and wind, is expected to continue for another five to six hours, the BMD meteorologist informed Bangla Outlook at around 10 am.

Mollick explained that Bangladesh bore the brunt of Cyclone Remal because the country was located east of the storm's eye. He emphasized that in the subcontinent, the eastern side of a cyclone typically causes more devastation than the western side.

Cyclone Remal’s peak winds near its center reached 90 kph, with gusts and squalls intensifying up to 120 kph. The strongest recorded wind speed was 111 kph, observed in Patuakhali around 1:30 am.

The maritime ports of Payra and Mongla, along with the coastal districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Jhalakathi, Barguna, Barishal, Bhola, and Patuakhali, have been placed under Great Danger Signal No. 10 due to the ongoing cyclone.

The maritime ports of Cox's Bazar and Chattogram, as well as the coastal districts of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Feni, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, and Chandpur, are under Great Danger Signal No. 9.

Additionally, river ports in the aforementioned districts have been advised to raise their warning to Riverine Great Danger Signal No. 4.

Fishing boats and trawlers over the north Bay of Bengal and deep sea have been advised to remain sheltered until further notice.

As the cyclone moves inland, authorities are assessing the damage and coordinating relief efforts.

Coastal areas have been particularly affected, with reports of flooding and infrastructure damage.

More than eight lakh people were evacuated to safer areas in 16 coastal districts ahead of the year's first cyclone.

In Patuakhali's Kalapara, a 24-year-old man tragically drowned after being swept away by the powerful current in his flooded village.

Meanwhile, in Satkhira, a 65-year-old man lost his life after falling from a bicycle while seeking shelter amidst strong winds.

Power outages have been reported in various coastal areas, including Bagerhat, Bhola, and Patuakhali, since Sunday afternoon and evening due to adverse weather conditions.

Many people have lost their mobile phone charges and are now without communication.

The disaster management ministry has deployed tens of thousands of volunteers to expedite the evacuation of vulnerable areas.

State Minister for Disaster Management, Mohibur Rahman, announced last night that 800,000 people have been evacuated to 9,000 cyclone shelters, equipped with sufficient dry food, biscuits, safe water, and medical supplies.