Lakshmipur: Today is the terrible 12th of November. This day is a terrible day for the coastal areas. On this day in 1970, a devastating cyclone and tidal wave swept over the Ramgati of Lakshmipur, an island district, causing widespread loss of life and destruction.
The coastal towns were reduced to rubble in a procession of bodies. In this terrible disaster in history, the coastal areas of Ramgati and the present Kamalnagar upazila of the district were devastated. About 50,000 people lost their lives. The strong current of the Meghna River swept away many important structures including cattle, houses, educational institutions. Many towns including the embankments of the two upazilas were destroyed. As far as the eye could see, there were only dead bodies all around.
The dead could not be buried due to the 8 to 10 feet of water. Many families were wiped out, including 10-15 people from the same family, during the devastating cyclone. Those people who lost their relatives have not yet forgotten the devastation 47 years ago. People in the coastal areas look on in shock, remembering those terrible days. Many who lost everything at that time have not yet been able to recover.
Eyewitnesses said that 60 percent of the people, cows, buffaloes, trees, etc. were swept away by the cyclone at that time. 7 to 8 people from one family were swept away by the water. Boat launches could not operate in the river due to the pile of bodies.
Meanwhile, local coastal residents have demanded that the day be declared as Coastal Day nationally. In the meantime, people in coastal areas have made preparations to celebrate the day as Coastal Day in various places.
English 
বাংলা