DACCA: The disastrous cyclone, which swept over areas of East Pakistan on Thursday [Nov 12] night, may have taken a toll of one lakh lives. With communications cut off ... exact figures may not be available for some more days. But knowledgeable circles, basing their estimates on previous experience, put the death toll anything between 50,000 and 100,000.

The 120-mph cyclone, accompanied by surging tidal waves, have left over a million people homeless, besides causing extensive damage to livestock and crops.

The worst-affected areas are the coastal districts of Noakhali and Barisal with their off-shore islands and coastal belts. Among the islands, the most battered is Hatiya. Half of its population of 1,62,000 is feared to have been washed away by the 18-foot-high waves, turned furious by the lashing wind. Official sources gave out 21,000 people as missing so far in Noakhali district alone. The sources confirmed 11,000 deaths but estimated the casualty may go over 25,000.

Two other islands, Bhola and Sandwip, are also reported to have been very badly affected. People have reported to have seen countless bodies floating in the water in and around these islands.

According to reports available here, over 2,000 persons have been buried in Noakhali district alone and many more are still to be buried.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2020