Surviving Cyclone Remal – Reshma Begum’s story

For the one year anniversary of Cyclone Remal in Bangladesh, we look back at Resham Begum’s story of strength and resilience.

Cyclone Remal left devastation in its wake. For Reshma Begum, it was yet another chapter in a life shaped by storms – each year, she struggled to survive, after each disaster, she lost what little she had and was forced to start over again. The fear of losing her home haunted her, as she had no means to rebuild or secure a stable income.

Reshma Begum, a 35 year old single parent, lived alone with no proper shelter. She owned a small piece of land inherited from her parents, where she resided with her daughter’s child. Struggling to make ends meet, she worked in nearby households, earning a small income and often relying on food from others for survival.

A life shaped by storms

Reshma’s struggle is not unique. Across the world, hurricanes and cyclones are becoming more intense and destructive, fuelled by climate change. Warmer ocean temperatures provide more energy for storms, leading to stronger winds, heavier rainfall, and increased flooding.

Scientists have observed that while the number of hurricanes and cyclones may not be increasing, their intensity is worsening. More storms are reaching Category 4 and 5, bringing catastrophic damage to vulnerable communities.

For Reshma, this meant living in constant fear. Each year, she braced for impact, knowing that once the storm passed, she would have to rebuild.

“When the storm came, my little hut – made of golpata leaves and mud – shook violently. It felt like my only safe space was turning into ruins,” she recalled. “I feared that I would lose everything, including the only shelter I had for my grandchild. I went to the road with my grandchild with just one piece of clothing to wear. At that moment, I didn’t know what to do or where to go! The wind roared, and I wondered if there was any meaning left in struggling to survive.”