Bangladesh’s coastal regions, especially in Bhola's Char Fassion, are gripped by fear over potential cyclones forming in the Bay of Bengal as the month of May progresses.
The World Meteorological Organization has named two possible cyclonic storms—Shakhti and Mantha—which could develop from a low-pressure system expected later this month.
In the remote island of Dhal Char under the upazila, anxiety is particularly high. Hosne Ara Begum, a woman in her 50s, recounted her traumatic experience last year during Cyclone Remal on May 26, 2024.
“The storm tore away my home before I could save anything. The entire land is now lost to river erosion,” she said. She now lives on borrowed land under a makeshift tin-roof shelter and has yet to receive any government aid.
Dhal Char Union is home to about 3,000 residents. Nearby union Kukrimukri also faces serious concerns. “Panic spreads even before the storm arrives,” said local resident Md. Suman. “We are isolated from the mainland and have limited cyclone shelters.”
Other vulnerable areas in Charfassion—including Char Nizam, Char Patila, Char Sikder in Mujibnagar—are also on high alert as residents brace for potential impacts.
Md. Mahbubur Rahman, an observer at Bhola Meteorological Office, confirmed that both Shakhti and Mantha could make landfall by the end of May.
Md. Zakir Hossain, Executive Engineer of the Charfassion Water Development Board (Division-2), stated that out of 115 kilometers of embankment in the region, approximately 6.4 kilometers across seven locations have been identified as vulnerable. “Repair work is ongoing and expected to be completed before any cyclone strikes. The rest will be repaired as soon as the budget is approved,” he said.
Preparedness measures are underway. Mahatabul Bari, Deputy Director of the Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP) in Charfassion, noted: “We have launched awareness campaigns to warn residents. Our teams are ready.”
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Rasna Sharmin Miti added: “We have completed our preparedness efforts in vulnerable coastal areas. A total of 156 cyclone shelters are ready, and over 300 volunteers have been deployed across 165 units.” She further mentioned that emergency supplies like drinking water and dry food have been stockpiled, while local awareness drives are being intensified through volunteers and public representatives.
Historical data shows that five of the last seven major cyclones in the Bay of Bengal occurred in May—including the devastating Cyclone Amphan in May 2020 and Cyclone Remal in May 2024.
As of Friday morning, the sky over Charfassion remained overcast, with intermittent drizzles and light winds. Water levels in the Tetulia and Meghna rivers have begun to rise slightly, indicating possible weather changes in the coming days.
