Strong gales and heavy rain triggered by the first major cyclone of the year lashed the coastlines of India and Bangladesh on Monday, killing at least 16 people and cutting power to millions.

Cyclone affected villagers carry corrugated iron sheeting to repair their damaged house in Potuakhali, 152 kilometers (95 miles) south of Bangladesh's capital Saturday, Nov.17, 2007.

More than 50 people have died in India and Bangladesh after Tropical Cyclone Remal lashed the area with torrential rain and heavy winds, according to local officials.

An intense cyclone smashed into the low-lying coast of Bangladesh on Sunday, with nearly a million people fleeing inland for concrete storm shelters away from howling gales and crashing waves.

“The severe cyclone will continue to pound Bangladesh coast until 10:00 am (0400 GMT),” Mallik told AFP. “The cyclone has unleashed heavy rains in many parts of Bangladesh.

A Rohingya refugee disabled man waits in a makeshift stretcher after he was taken by relatives to visit a doctor at Kutupalang unregistered Refugee Camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, March 2, 2017 ...

(CNN) — More than 50 people have died in India and Bangladesh after Tropical Cyclone Remal lashed the area with torrential rain and heavy winds, according to local officials.