Cyclone Bulbul death toll rises to 12 in Bangladesh

Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP

The death toll from Cyclone Bulbul rose to 12 in Bangladesh, with officials adding that five fishermen are still unaccounted for.

Authorities said most of the victims had refused to evacuate and died due to falling trees.

The cyclone with wind speeds of up to 120km/h (75mph) hit the Bangladesh coast late Saturday, leaving around 6,000 homes partially or fully damaged.

Efforts are on to rescue 1,200 local tourists who have been stranded on St. Martin's Island. 

Meanwhile, seven people have died in the Indian state of West Bengal.

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