In 2007, Cyclone Sidr ripped through the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest. The forest took the brunt of the storm, saving human lives by slowing down its destructive force.
However, it paid a heavy price. One-fourth of the forest area was damaged, with 8-10 percent completely destroyed and 15 percent partially damaged. Infrastructure within the Sundarbans was severely impacted, with offices, communication towers, and watercraft destroyed. Wildlife suffered immensely, with loss of habitat, displacement, and scarcity of food and water.
Two years later, Cyclone Aila struck. Around 40 percent of the forest’s vegetation was destroyed, and 30-35 percent of the mangrove cover was damaged. The impact on wildlife was devastating, with endangered species such as tigers facing habitat disruption and food scarcity.
The Sundarbans continued to face the wrath of cyclones like Bulbul and Amphan. Each time the forest began to recover, another cyclone hit.
Then came cyclone Remal. Trees were uprooted, and a 10-12 ft tidal surge submerged the forest for nearly two days.
As the water recedes, the full extent of the damage is becoming clear. Carcasses are being recovered while the forest floor is littered with uprooted trees.
The Sundarbans is already grappling with the negative impacts of climate change, including rising salinity and extreme weather events like cyclones.
Given the repeated battering by cyclones and the ongoing effects of climate change, experts wonder how long it will take for the Sundarbans to recover. The answer? Maybe decades.
And before it fully recovers, there might be another cyclone waiting to strike… maybe next year or the year after.