Cyclone Remal uproots hundreds of trees on Kuakata beach

Cyclone Remal, which crossed the Bangladesh coast on May 26, ravaged through Kuakata. The damage could amount to Tk100 crore, say locals. 

The cyclone damaged fish enclosures, paddy fields, embankments and uprooted hundreds of trees.

Cyclone Remal has torn apart the green belt of Kuakata Beach, locals said.

There were hundreds of shrubs, keora, and sal trees at the Kuakata National Park, just 2km away from Kuakata zero point.

Tourists used to visit the place for its serenity which is now gone. 

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Additionally, there are hundreds of trees scattered on the beach 

Locals say this green belt has protected the coast from Super Cyclone Sidor, Cyclone Aila, Nargis, Mahasen, and during numerous other calamities.

Mejbah Uddin Mannu, the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) senior organizer, said: “Trees are our friends. Scientific research is needed now to protect the rest of the trees. We demand that the uprooted trees not be removed. Now is the time to plant and care for them.”

Safiqul Islam, deputy forest conservator at Patuakhali coast, said: “The damage that has been done is irreparable. We will not remove fallen trees. The trees will reduce soil erosion. There will be a natural recovery as well.”