DHAKA, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Violent storms triggered
by depression have swept Bangladesh's south and southeastern coastal belt,
leaving at least 10 people dead and over 100 fishermen missing in the Bay of
Bengal.
The storm struck the country's southern districts of
Barisal, Bhola, Barguna, Noakhali, Patuakhali, Bagerhat, Faridpur and Rangamati
Monday night, triggering heavy rain, tornado and landslide and leaving 10 killed
and over 150 injured.
Several islands in these districts were inundate by
tidal surge up to four feet (1.2 meter) high as the depression has developed in
the Bay of Bengal four days ago.
Hundreds of thatched houses were destroyed, crops
were damaged and innumerable trees and electric poles were uprooted during the
nature's scourge, one in a series this calamitous season. House collapse,
landslide and crashing trees caused the casualties.
Telephone lines and power supply were snapped in most
of the affected districts aggravating misery of the people and making it
difficult for the local administration to conduct rescue and relief operations
in remote villages and islands.
Besides, over 100 fishermen with 18 trawlers went
missing in the Bay of Bengal amid the inclement weather since Monday afternoon,
coastguard officials in southern Bagerhat district said.
The government has banned movement of ferry services
in 108 river routes. All river vessels were advised to stay in safe places until
further notice.
Land depression was however weakened into a
well-marked low and lies over the capital of Dhaka and eastern Comilla regions
Tuesday morning, said a meteorologic office bulletin.
It said squally weather may continue to affect the country's maritime ports of southeastern port Chittagong, Cox's Bazar and southwestern port Mongla. They were advised to keep hoisted local cautionary signal number three. All fishing-boats and trawlers over the north Bay have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.
