Cyclone Remal, a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, has intensified into a cyclonic storm and is predicted to become severe before making landfall between the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh on Sunday night. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) provided updates on Sunday morning, emphasizing the potential for significant impact in the region.
Expected Landfall and Impact
The cyclone is expected to cross the coasts between Sagar Island in West Bengal and Khepupara in Bangladesh, with wind speeds ranging from 110 to 120 kmph and gusting up to 135 kmph. The IMD predicts landfall around midnight on Sunday, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to the affected areas.
Weather Warnings and Alerts
The IMD has issued warnings of extremely heavy rainfall for the coastal districts of West Bengal and heavy to very heavy rainfall for north Odisha on May 26 and 27. Similarly, Assam and Meghalaya are likely to experience extremely heavy precipitation, while other northeastern states, such as Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, will face heavy to very heavy rains on May 27 and 28.
Live updates from windy.com
In Tripura, the weather department has issued ‘orange’ alerts from May 26 to 28, forecasting thunderstorms with lightning and squally winds reaching speeds of 50–60 kmph, gusting to 70 kmph, along with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across all districts of the state.
Preparedness and Precautionary Measures
Authorities have urged people to stay indoors and avoid venturing outside during the warning hours. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is fully prepared for the cyclone, with teams ready to handle tree-falling, flood rescues, and other potential disasters. “Our team is well-equipped and ready to deal with every situation,” NDRF inspector Zaheer Abbas assured.
Impact on Transportation and Infrastructure
In anticipation of Cyclone Remal’s impact, the Kolkata airport has announced a suspension of flight operations for 21 hours starting Sunday. “Due to predicted heavy winds and heavy to very heavy rainfall at Kolkata, flight operations will be suspended from 1200 IST on May 26 to 0900 IST on May 27,” stated the airport authority.
Additionally, several local trains in the Sealdah and Howrah divisions, which connect Kolkata and Howrah with nearby districts, have been canceled. The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata will also suspend all cargo and container handling operations for 12 hours starting Sunday evening.
Evacuation Efforts
West Bengal officials began evacuating people from coastal, low-lying, and vulnerable areas on Saturday. This proactive measure aims to ensure the safety of residents and minimize potential harm from the cyclone.
First Cyclone of the Season
Cyclone Remal is the first cyclone in the Bay of Bengal for this pre-monsoon season. According to the system of naming cyclones in the Indian Ocean region, ‘Remal’ means ‘sand’ in Arabic.
Monitoring and Updates
IMD continues to monitor the cyclone’s progression closely and will provide updates as necessary. The current warning is in effect until May 28, but it may be extended if the situation warrants.
As Cyclone Remal approaches, the IMD’s warnings highlight the importance of preparedness and adherence to safety advisories. The severe weather is expected to impact low-lying areas significantly, including potential damage to crops and infrastructure. Residents are urged to stay indoors, safeguard outdoor items, and reinforce structures to withstand high winds. The collaborative efforts of authorities and the public will be crucial in mitigating the impact of this powerful natural event.
The Information is Collected from Livemint and NDTV.
