Cyclone RemalExtensive damage to Sundarbans feared, 26 deer dead

As Cyclone Remal swept over the country’s coastal districts on Sunday, authorities feared major damage to the Sundarbans and its wildlife.

Twenty six deer were found dead at Katka Jamtala in the Sundarbans on Tuesday while the forest officials also rescued 13 deer alive after the 8-10 feet high tidal surges under the influence of the cyclone flooded some parts of the world’s largest mangrove forest.

The violent storm destroyed a number of trees and inundated a vast part of the Sundarbans, destroying the abode of the wild animals, according to forest officials.

Salt water entered 80 ponds inside the forest, destroying the source of fresh water.

The forest officials are working to assess the damage of the forest resources and wildlife caused by the cyclone.

Mihir Kumar Doe, divisional forest conservator of Khulna region, said Sundarbans witnessed an 8-10 feet high tidal surge on Sunday and Monday, resulting in inundation of vast tract of the Sundarbans including Katka, Kochikhali, Dubla, Shela, Nilkamal, Mandarbaria and some other parts.

The forest officials buried the carcasses of 26 deer inside the forest.

Kazi Muhammad Nurul Karim, divisional forest officer of Sundarbans East zone, said a number of baby deer died due to the tidal surge and the death toll likely to rise further.

Meanwhile, different infrastructures of the forest department were damaged due to the cyclone.