Published: May 22,2016
A deadly cyclone struck Bangladesh's southern coast on Saturday, killing at least 21 people and forcing hundreds of thousands from their homes.
Local media say the deaths were caused by the collapse of houses in Bhola, Chittagong and Patuakhali districts. Cyclone Roanu crossed the southern coastal district of Cox's Bazar and weakened after triggering rains.
Heavy rains from Cyclone Roanu are drenching parts of eastern India and Bangladesh.
(Sipa USA via AP )
The meteorological office said in a statement that dozens of villages had been submerged by floodwaters.
Authorities have relocated about 500,000 people into 3,500 shelters, the country's disaster minister told NBC News. People were also evacuated from the hilly parts of Chittagong in case the persistent rain triggered more landslides.
Flights were suspended at Chittagong airport while officials with the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority restricted movement of all ships and ferries, NBC also reports.
Mohammed Ullah, a local council chief, said the island was flooded in no time by the impact of the cyclone. "The islanders were preparing to go to cyclone shelters following a forecast that the cyclone was expected to hit in the afternoon or in the evening, but suddenly waters started coming. Most islanders have moved to safety," he said.
Bangladesh, a delta nation, is prone to deadly cyclones.
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