Cyclone ‘Remal’ Gathers Strength Over Bay of Bengal: Coastal Areas on High Alert

New Delhi – A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into Cyclonic Storm ‘Remal,’ poised to make landfall between West Bengal’s Sagar Island and Bangladesh’s Khepupara around midnight on Sunday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

This marks the first cyclone of the pre-monsoon season in the Bay of Bengal.

Cyclone Formation and Path

The IMD’s update at 7:50 pm on Saturday revealed that the deep depression over the east-central Bay of Bengal had intensified into Cyclonic Storm ‘Remal.’ The storm’s center was located approximately 360 km south-southeast of Khepupara and 350 km south-southeast of Sagar Island.

The cyclone is expected to strengthen further into a severe cyclonic storm by Sunday morning. It is anticipated to cross the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh between Sagar Island and Khepupara, with wind speeds ranging from 110 to 120 km/hr, gusting up to 135 km/hr around midnight on Sunday.

Weather Warnings and Expected Impact

The IMD has issued warnings for extremely heavy rainfall in the coastal districts of West Bengal and north Odisha from May 26-27. Additionally, parts of northeast India are forecasted to experience significant precipitation on May 27-28.

A storm surge, potentially reaching up to 1.5 meters, is expected to inundate low-lying areas of coastal West Bengal and Bangladesh during the landfall.

Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the north Bay of Bengal until the morning of May 27 due to the hazardous conditions.

Alerts and Precautions

A red alert is in place for the coastal districts of South and North 24 Parganas in West Bengal for May 26-27, where some areas are predicted to experience extremely heavy rain.

An orange alert has been issued for Kolkata, Howrah, Nadia, and Purba Medinipur districts, indicating expected wind speeds of 80 to 90 km/hr, gusting to 100 km/hr, along with heavy to very heavy rainfall at certain locations on May 26-27.

In north Odisha, the coastal districts of Balasore, Bhadrak, and Kendrapara are forecasted to receive heavy rains on May 26-27, while Mayurbhanj district is likely to experience heavy precipitation on May 27.

The IMD has cautioned about potential localized flooding and significant damage to vulnerable structures, power and communication lines, unpaved roads, crops, and orchards in the districts of South and North 24 Parganas in West Bengal.

Preparations and Response

Authorities in the affected regions are on high alert, with preparations underway to mitigate the impact of Cyclone ‘Remal.’ Emergency services and disaster response teams have been mobilized to ensure rapid response to any incidents caused by the cyclone.

Residents in the coastal districts have been advised to stay indoors and secure their homes against the impending storm. The government has urged people to follow official updates and heed warnings to minimize risks to life and property.

As Cyclone ‘Remal’ approaches, the focus remains on safeguarding the affected communities and ensuring swift relief and recovery efforts. The nation stands united in support of those in the cyclone’s path, hoping for minimal damage and a speedy return to normalcy.