Cyclone Remal, a severe storm with wind speeds reaching up to 120 kilometers per hour, made landfall tonight, affecting the coastal regions of Bangladesh and parts of West Bengal, India. Authorities have evacuated over 800,000 residents to safer locations.

According to a spokesperson from the meteorological office, the cyclone began crossing the coast at Khepupara in Bangladesh and West Bengal's Sagar Island. It is anticipated to fully pass through these areas within the next five to seven hours, with maximum wind speeds potentially reaching 135 kilometers per hour.

In a dramatic incident, a heavily loaded ferry with more than 50 passengers sank near Mongla Port. Fortunately, all passengers were rescued, though some sustained injuries. Emergency response teams, including Red Crescent volunteers, government officials, police, and fire services, have been actively working to alert and evacuate residents to cyclone shelters.

State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Mohibur Rahman reported that over 800,000 people have been moved to safety. "We have implemented all necessary measures urgently to handle this severe cyclone. All relevant agencies are working in coordination to mitigate the impact," he stated at a press briefing.

The Bangladesh Meteorology Department (BMD) issued the highest alert level, indicating extreme danger for the southwestern regions of Barishal and its shoals, as well as a severe warning for the southeastern coastlines, including Chattogram.

Mizanur Rahman, Director General of the Department of Disaster Management, mentioned that 8,464 cyclone shelters are prepared across 19 coastal districts, stocked with sufficient food supplies. Local administrations have cash reserves ready to respond to emergencies, and 1,185 medical teams are on standby to provide healthcare support.

Around 78,000 volunteers from the Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP) and 8,600 Red Crescent volunteers are assisting in the evacuation efforts. Meteorologists warn that Cyclone Remal could cause significant damage, including uprooting trees, damaging homes, and disrupting power and communication systems. Storm surges up to 12 feet above normal tides are expected to inundate low-lying areas.

As a precaution, operations at Chattogram's main seaport have been suspended, and over a dozen ships have been moved to the deep sea. Airport operations along the coast have also been halted.

Cyclone Remal is the first major storm in the Bay of Bengal before the onset of the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September. Schools in coastal regions have been designated as shelters, and special structures have been built to protect people and livestock during such events.