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As Cyclone Remal intensifies and approaches the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh, authorities and residents in the affected areas are urged to take necessary precautions...
Digital Desk: A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into cyclonic storm Remal and is expected to make landfall between the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh as a severe cyclonic storm at midnight on Sunday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD has predicted that the cyclone will continue gaining strength, posing threats of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surges. The current warning for the cyclone is in effect until May 28; however, it may be extended if necessary, the IMD said.
The IMD has warned of extremely heavy rainfall in the coastal districts of West Bengal and heavy to very heavy rainfall in north Odisha on May 26 and 27. Extremely heavy rainfall is also likely in Assam and Meghalaya, and heavy to very heavy rains in the other northeastern states, such as Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, on May 27 and 28.
Pre-Monsoon Cyclone
Remal, which means sand in Arabic, 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.
Expected impact
The IMD has predicted extremely heavy rainfall in the coastal districts of West Bengal and north Odisha on May 26 and 27. Parts of northeast India may also witness extremely heavy rainfall due to the impact of Remal on May 27 and 28.
Meanwhile, the weather department in Agartala has issued ‘orange’ alerts for Tripura from May 26 to 28, warning of thunderstorms with lightning and squally winds reaching speeds of 50-60 kmph, gusting to 70 kmph, along with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, which is very likely to occur across all districts of the state.
Latest updates
In its latest bulletin on Saturday evening, the IMD said Remal was centered approximately 360 km south-southeast of Khepupara in Bangladesh and 350 km south-southeast of Sagar Island in West Bengal. With a wind speed of 110-120 km per hour, gusting to 135 kmph, Remal is expected to cross the West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh coasts between Sagar Island and Khepupara on Sunday midnight.
Warnings and alerts
In view of the cyclone, the coastal districts of North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas in West Bengal are under red alert on May 26 and 27 as extremely heavy rainfall is predicted in some areas. An orange alert has been issued for Kolkata, Howrah, Nadia, and Purba Medinipur districts, with the weather office warning of wind speeds touching between 80 to 90 kilometers per hour, gusting to 100 kilometers per hour.
Precautionary measures
The IMD has warned of localized flooding and significant damage to vulnerable structures, power and communication lines, unpaved roads, crops, and orchards in South and North 24 Parganas districts. People have been asked to remain indoors and not venture outside, particularly near the sea. The Indian Coast Guard has kept disaster relief teams on standby in West Bengal and Odisha, and all pre-emptive measures have been taken to ensure there is no loss of life or property at sea.
Airport and port operations
The authorities of Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport have decided to suspend flight operations for 21 hours from Sunday noon as the state braces for Cyclone Remal. All cargo and container handling operations at the city's Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port will be suspended for 12 hours from 6 pm on Sunday to 6 am on Monday due to the cyclone.
Fishermen advisory
Fishermen have been warned to stay out of the north Bay of Bengal until the morning of May 27.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) inspector Zaheer Abbas on Saturday said its teams are fully prepared for the cyclone. “If the cyclone hits here, our soldiers are ready to deal with every kind of disaster...Our team is well-equipped. Our team is ready for tree-falling or flood rescue. We are ready to deal with every situation,” he told ANI.
In view of the cyclone, the Kolkata airport announced the suspension of flight operations for 21 hours starting Sunday. Several local trains in the Sealdah and Howrah divisions that usually connect Kolkata and Howrah with the adjoining districts have also been cancelled. The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata has said it would suspend all cargo and container handling operations for 12 hours from Sunday evening.
As Cyclone Remal intensifies and approaches the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh, authorities and residents in the affected areas are urged to take necessary precautions and stay safe. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing weather situation.
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