Cyclone Sitrang Updates: Storm Makes Landfall in Bangladesh, 5 Deaths Reported So Far

Cyclone Sitrang struck Bangladesh's low-lying, heavily populated districts Monday night, killing at least five people, according to news reports.

The districts of Barguna, Narail, Sirajganj, and the island district of Bhol all reported death. Officials warned that as more casualties are reported from other districts, the death toll could rise.

Sitrang quickly fell into a deep depression after crossing Bangladesh, and as of Tuesday morning, it had weakened even further. Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura may experience widespread moderate to heavy rainfall on Tuesday due to the system, which is now moving towards northeastern areas of India.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department issued a warning for squally winds on Tuesday morning along and off the coast of West Bengal, with gusts up to 60 kmph. By afternoon, these winds would gradually weaken to 30 to 40 kmph gusting to 50 kmph.

According to the IMD, Tuesday's forenoon is predicted to see an improvement in the weather in south Bengal regions. In West Bengal's coastal districts of South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, and East Midnapore, the cyclone generated moderate to heavy rain between 9.30 p.m. and 11.30 p.m. on Monday, dampening Diwali and Kali Puja celebrations.

Cyclone Sitrang weakens into depression, says IMD

According to the India Meteorological Department, Cyclone Sitrang, which crossed Bangladesh on Monday, has intensified into a depression and is now centered over northeast Bangladesh, around 90 km to the north-northeast of Agartala and 100 km to the south-southwest of Shillong.