1. A low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm Remal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
2. Cyclone Remal is expected to make landfall on the coasts of Bangladesh and West Bengal early Sunday morning.
3. The storm will bring heavy rains and strong winds to the affected areas.
Kolkata, May 25: A low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into severe cyclonic storm Remal, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported.
Cyclone Remal is projected to make landfall on the coasts of Bangladesh and West Bengal early Sunday morning, bringing with it heavy rains and strong winds.
According to the IMD, Cyclone Remal will move northward and then eastward, becoming a severe cyclonic storm over the east-central Bay of Bengal by Saturday morning.
It is expected to intensify further and head towards the coasts of Bangladesh and West Bengal, with the potential to cross the coast between Sagar Island in India and Khepupara in Bangladesh by Saturday night.
The IMD has forecast wind speeds reaching 110-120 kilometers per hour (kmph) with gusts up to 135 kmph at landfall.
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The coastal districts of West Bengal and north Odisha are likely to experience extremely heavy rainfall on May 26-27, with potentially even heavier precipitation in parts of northeast India on May 27-28.
Heavy Rain Alert in Bengal
A storm surge of up to 1.5 meters is predicted to inundate low-lying areas of coastal West Bengal and Bangladesh during landfall. The IMD has warned fishermen to stay out of the north Bay of Bengal until the morning of May 27.
A red alert has been issued for West Bengal’s coastal districts of South and North 24 Parganas, warning of heavy to very heavy rain with wind speeds reaching 80-90 kmph, gusting to 100 kmph on May 26 and 27.
An orange alert has been issued for Kolkata, Howrah, Nadia, and Purba Medinipur districts, forecasting heavy rain with wind speeds of 80-90 kmph, gusting to 100 kmph.
Heavy rain is also expected in Purba Medinipur on May 25, coinciding with elections in the Tamluk and Kanti Lok Sabha constituencies.
The rest of south Bengal can expect wind speeds of 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, accompanied by heavy rain.
The IMD has warned of potential localized flooding and significant damage to vulnerable structures, power and communication lines, roads, crops, and orchards in the affected areas. Residents have been advised to stay indoors and evacuate unsafe structures.
Odisha Braces for Cyclone Impact
The Odisha government has alerted authorities in four coastal districts – Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, and Mayurbhanj – to take preparatory measures in anticipation of the storm’s impact. The weather bureau has predicted wind speeds of 40-50 kmph with heavy to very heavy rain in these districts.
Remal is the first pre-monsoon cyclone in the Bay of Bengal this season. The name was provided by Oman, following the regional naming system for cyclones in the north Indian Ocean.
In addition to the IMD’s alerts, various state authorities have mobilized resources to mitigate the cyclone’s impact. Relief teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), have been pre-positioned in vulnerable areas to ensure swift response and evacuation operations if necessary.
As the cyclone approaches, both state and central agencies are working in coordination to ensure the safety of residents. Schools and colleges in the predicted path have been closed, and fishermen have been advised to return to shore. Essential supplies, including food, water, and medical aid, have been stockpiled in preparation for any emergencies.
Cyclone Remal serves as a stark reminder of the need for preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters.
The coordinated efforts of various government bodies and the public’s adherence to safety guidelines will be crucial in minimizing the cyclone’s impact and safeguarding lives and property.
