Cyclone Remal Live Updates: The storm brought with it heavy rains, which continued into Monday morning, flooding homes and farmlands. (Express Photo by Partha Paul)Cyclone Remal News Highlights: At least six people died in West Bengal following heavy rains and gusty winds brought on by the landfall of Cyclone Remal. The storm snapped power lines, uprooted poles and trees and blew roofs off thatched houses while rain and high tides damaged embankments and flooded coastal areas, Reuters reported.
After tearing through the coasts of Bangladesh and West Bengal, Cyclone Remal left a trail of destruction with pictures of devastation becoming evident across the state’s coastal areas, with extensive damage to infrastructure and property, soon after daybreak on Monday. The cyclone ravaged adjacent coasts of the state and Bangladesh between Sagar Island and Khepupara, near the southwest of Mongla in the neighbouring country, after its landfall process began at 8.30 pm on Sunday and lasted for a four hours.
Though flight services resumed at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) airport after a 21-hour suspension in the wake of severe cyclone Remal, at least eight flights had to be diverted to other cities because of adverse weather conditions.
Clouds hover over 'Muri Ganga' River ahead of the landfall of cyclone 'Remal', in South 24 Parganas district, Friday. (PTI Photo)
48 polling stations in Bengal damaged by Cyclone Remal
In all, 48 polling stations, mostly located in North and South 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal, were damaged due to the impact of Cyclone Remal. The disaster also adversely affected preparations for the upcoming seventh and final phase of polling scheduled on June 1.
Polling for the nine Lok Sabha seats — Dum Dum, Barasat, Basirhat, Jaynagar, Mathurapur, Diamond Harbour, Jadavpur, Kolkata Dakshin, and Kolkata Uttar — is scheduled on Saturday. Among these, several assembly constituencies under Diamond Harbour and Basirhat seats were hit by the cyclonic storm.
10 dead, 15 million without power as cyclone Remal batters Bangladesh coasts
At least 10 people were killed and millions were left without power as severe cyclone 'Remal' lashed the coasts of Bangladesh with devastating winds of up to 120 kph and storm surges, inundating hundreds of villages. Remal lashed Bangladesh's coastlines, levelling thousands of homesteads, smashing seawalls, and flooding scores of villages and towns along the southwestern shorelines.
Bangladesh's junior minister for disaster management and relief, Mohibur Rahman said the storm entirely damaged over 35 households and affected over 3.75 million people.
Cyclone Remal: Rain lash Tripura, 11 flights cancelled
Heavy rain lashed Tripura under the influence of cyclonic storm Remal while 11 flights were cancelled from Agartala airport due to bad weather, officials said. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert in two districts – Sepahijala and Gumati – and an orange alert in the remaining six districts in view of the possible impact of cyclone Remal, they said.
Chief Minister Manik Saha urged people to remain vigilant. "The state may witness moderate to heavy rainfall due to the cyclonic storm. The state and the district administrations are ready to tackle the situation. I appeal to the people to remain in the highest degree of alertness during the period," the CM said in a Facebook post.
Severe cyclonic storm claims six lives in West Bengal
At least six people died in West Bengal following heavy rains and gusty winds brought on by the landfall of Cyclone Remal. Several deaths were reported due to electrocution, including a woman who died due to electrocution in Maheshpur, South 24 Parganas. The deceased Taapsee Das got electrocuted in the morning after falling into water on a road. A father-son suo died due to electrocution in Memari, East Burdwan. The deceased Phade Singh and Tarun Singh lost their lives while cutting banana trees uprooted by the storm. An 80-year-old woman died in Mausuni Island while a man died after a cement tile fell on his head.
As per administrative sources, 2,07,060 people have been shifted to 1,438 safe shelters out of which 77,288 people are still in safe shelters following the cyclone. Heavy rains resulted in waterlogging in many low-lying areas, further impeding movement within Kolkata. According to the weather office, it rained 144 mm on Sunday night only in Kolkata.
As per official sources, nearly 15,000 houses in 24 blocks and 79 municipal wards located in the southern coastal areas of West Bengal, were affected by the cyclone. Around 2,140 trees were uprooted in different parts of the state and 337 electric poles fell off during strong winds.
On Sunday night, torrential rains accompanied by strong winds uprooted numerous trees, damaged electricity poles, and caused property damage and road blockage.
Which Assam districts are on red alert following cyclone Remal landfall?
A red alert for extremely heavy rainfall has been issued in Chirang, Goalpara, Baksa, Dima Hasao, Cachar, Hailakandi and Karimganj districts, and an orange alert for Dhubri, South Salmara, Bongaigaon, Bajali, Tamulpur, Barpeta, Nalbari, Morigaon, Nagaon, Hojai and West Karbi Anglong in Assam.
Squally winds of 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph are likely over South Assam and Meghalaya on Monday, the weather office said.
NDRF teams have been deployed in Cachar, Bongaigaon and Dibrugarh, while personnel of Fire and Emergency Services are also on standby, officials said. The ASDMA has also recommended regulation of plying of boats if needed in the mainstream of Brahmaputra river on Monday and Tuesday.
Meanwhile, “anticipatory evacuation of vulnerable populations from landslide-prone areas in Guwahati, Kamrup, Dima Hasao, Cachar, Karimganj, Hailakandi, Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts may also be considered”, the ASDMA release said.
Assam braces for heavy rain in aftermath of Cyclone Remal
Several districts of Assam are on high alert in the wake of forecast for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall from Monday under the impact of Cyclone Remal, which made landfall in neighbouring West Bengal and Bangladesh.
The Northeast Frontier Railway, in a release, said 42 trains have been cancelled for two days from Monday. "Cyclone Remal can bring inclement weather in parts of Assam. We are taking several precautionary measures," Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on X.
He added that teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are on standby and control rooms are operational, while asking people to cooperate with local administration.
Cyclone Remal: What happened in Kolkata?
Three persons were injured and vehicular movement was disrupted as trees lay uprooted in several parts of Kolkata in the aftermath of Cyclone Remal, which made landfall in West Bengal and neighbouring Bangladesh.
Reports of uprooting of trees have been received from Southern Avenue, Lake Place, Chetla, D L Khan Road, Dufferin Road, Ballygunge Road, New Alipore, Behala, Jadavpur, Golpark, Hatibagan, Jagat Mukherjee Park and College Street, as well as the city's adjoining Salt Lake area, they said. Around 68 trees were uprooted in Kolkata, and another 75 in nearby Salt Lake and Rajarhat area.
Meanwhile, train services in the Sealdah South section of Eastern Railway resumed at 9 am after remaining suspended for three hours in the morning, an ER official said. Flight services from the Kolkata airport also resumed on Monday morning after being suspended for 21 hours in view of the cyclone, a senior Airports Authority of India (AAI) official said.
Operations of the Kolkata Metro were disrupted between Girish Park and Mahanayak Uttam Kumar stations, due to waterlogging on the tracks at Park Street and Esplanade stations.
Airports, seaports closed in Bangladesh
The airport in Bangladesh's second-largest city of Chittagong has closed, along with the country's three seaports, while India's Kolkata airport will suspend flight operations from midnight on Sunday for 21 hours.
Bangladeshi authorities have raised the weather alert to its highest level.
Fishers have been warned against taking to the sea, and an evacuation order has been issued for those in regions likely to be hardest-hit by the cyclone.
The India Meteorological Department said in a statement that storms like Remal can uproot trees and cause major damage to thatched homes and power and communication lines.
14 teams of NDRF undertake restoration, rescue work in West Bengal
Fourteen teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are undertaking restoration and rescue work by clearing uprooted trees, electric poles and helping people come out of marooned areas hit by heavy rainfall in West Bengal, a senior NDRF officer told news agency PTI.
These teams have removed about 54 uprooted trees, two electric poles and cleared about 18 kms of roads in affected areas of Hasnabad, Sandeshkhali, Gosana, Sagar, Shyampur and Haringhata, he said. (PTI)
Cyclone Remal: Mamata takes stock of situation
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Monday expressed deep concern over the impact of Cyclone Remal in Sundarbans and other coastal areas of the state as she took stock of the situation, an official told news agency PTI.
She spoke with Chief Secretary B P Gopalika to assess the extent of devastation caused by the cyclone and the measures being taken to address the aftermath.
"The CM spoke to the chief secretary over the phone and enquired about the number of lives lost and injured as a result of Cyclone Remal. She also enquired about the extent of damage, including uprooted electric poles and trees, and the progress of restoration efforts," the official told PTI. (PTI)
'Cyclonic storm expected to convert to deep depression by today evening': NDRF DIG Mohsen Shahidi
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) DIG Mohsen Shahidi, speaking to news agency PTI, said that the cyclonic storm Remal is expected to convert to a deep depression by Monday evening.
"After the landfall last night, the severe cyclonic storm has turned into a cyclonic storm. It is expected to convert to deep depression by the evening. Restoration work has been going on. Trees have been uprooted, communication lines were disturbed, power was disrupted. They are being restored in coastal regions of South Parganas, Medinipur, Kolkata. 14 NDRF teams are deployed in West Bengal. There has been one death due to wall collapse in Kolkata," he told PTI.
Severe cyclonic storm Remal kills three, cuts power supply to millions before weakening
Severe cyclonic storm Remal, which brought with it heavy rains and strong winds in parts of West Bengal and Bangladesh, killed at least three people, and cut electricity supply to millions before it weakened into a cyclonic storm, news agency Reuters reported.
The storm snapped power lines, uprooted poles and trees and blew roofs off thatched houses while rain and high tides damaged embankments and flooded coastal areas, Reuters reported.
Cyclone Remal Live Updates: Red alert issued in Murshidabad, Nadia
A red alert was issued in two districts of the state – Murshidabad and Nadia, in view of the cyclonic storm Remal.
These two districts are likely to receive 7 to 20 cm of rain on Monday. Eight districts, including Kolkata, are likely to experience thundershowers and gusty winds of 50 to 60 kmph.
Apart from Kolkata, heavy rain is expected in Howrah, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, East Burdwan, West Burdwan and Birbhum, the Met office said. These districts may have wind gusts of up to 60 km per hour.
Waterlogging on tracks between Park Street and Esplanade stations
A day after cyclone Remal made a landfall over the coasts of Bangladesh and West Bengal, due to waterlogging on tracks between Park Street and Esplanade stations, truncated services are running between Dakshineswar and Girish Park as well as Kavi Subhash and Mahanayak Uttam Kumar stations from 7.51 am.
The movement of trains on the Sealdah South Branch has also been suspended.
Cyclone Remal Live Updates: One dead in Kolkata due to wall collapse following heavy rains
A 51-year-old man was killed due to a wall collapse in Kolkata as Cyclone Remal left a trail of widespread destruction across West Bengal after making landfall between the coasts of the state and Bangladesh on Sunday night.
The deceased was identified as Mohammad Sajib. According to officials, a cement tile fell on his head at Bibir Bagan in the Entali area of the city.
Watch | Roads being cleared after trees were uprooted amid strong winds, heavy rains in Kolkata
Roads are being cleared after trees were uprooted amid heavy rains and strong winds in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district, news agency ANI reported.
Cyclonic storm Remal moves nearly northwards, lay centered over the same region as of 8:30 am: IMD
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), cyclonic storm 'Remal' over coastal Bangladesh and adjoining coastal West Bengal moved nearly northwards, with a speed of 15 kmph during the past 6 hours and lay centered at 8:30 am on Monday over the same region.
Cyclone Remal Live Updates: Tripura sounds red alert in two districts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert in two districts - Sepahijala and Gumati - in light of the possible impact of cyclone Remal, an official said on Monday, news agency PTI reported.
South, Dhalai, Khowai, and West districts which were earlier brought under ‘red alert' (implying ‘take action') are now under ‘orange alert' (‘be prepared for action').
“Thunderstorm is very likely to occur over six districts due to the cyclone. Light to moderate rain and thunderstorm with lightning accompanied by gusty wind speed reaching 30-40 kmph is very likely to occur at many places over South, Gumati, Sepahijala, Dhalai and Khowai districts,” Director of IMD, Agartala, Partha Roy said.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has, meanwhile, urged people to remain vigilant. "The state may witness moderate to heavy rainfall due to the cyclonic storm. The state and the district administrations are ready to tackle the situation. I appeal to the people to remain in the highest degree of alertness during the period,” he said in a Facebook post. (PTI)
'Fortunately, cyclone did not affect the Railways': CPRO Eastern Railway
CPRO Eastern Railway, Kaushik Mitra, speaking to news agency ANI, on the impact of cyclonic storm Remal on Railways, said, "...Fortunately, the cyclone did not affect the railways. Normal services underway in Howrah, Asansol and Malda divisions since last night. No train has been cancelled... We have faced some problems in the Sealdah division, but our officials have worked through the night and restoration work is in full swing..."
West Bengal Guv CV Ananda Bose on field with Raj Bhavan task force after cyclonic storm makes landfall
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose early Monday was on field along with Raj Bhavan task force after cyclonic storm Remal made a landfall over the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh Sunday night, news agency ANI reported.
Speaking to ANI, he said, "Raj Bhavan task force has just returned from the field visit. we are all greatly relieved that no reported casualty is there. Remal cyclone is weakening and the people of Bengal have been able to brave it with fortitude and courage. We are watching in case there is any need for any help. Raj Bhavan task force is ready... I thank the entire people of West Bengal for the solidarity which they have expressed."
Visuals from across West Bengal as cyclone Remal makes landfall last night
Here are some visuals from across West Bengal, including Sundarbans and Tajpur, after cyclonic storm Remal made a landfall over the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh Sunday night.
Flight ops delayed at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata
Several flight operations were delayed at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata after cyclonic storm Remal made a landfall Sunday night, news agency ANI reported.
Rains likely in Bengal districts as severe cyclonic storm Remal weakens
Rains are likely in several Bengal districts as severe cyclonic storm Remal weakened into a cyclonic storm on Monday morning, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
Southern districts including Nadia and Murshidabad, will receive one or two spells of intense downpour, along with gusty surface winds till Tuesday morning, news agency PTI reported.
Kolkata recorded a rainfall of 146 mm in the period between 8.30 am on Sunday and 5.30 am of Monday, the weather agency stated. The metropolis logged a maximum wind speed of 74 kmph, while Dum Dum in the northern outskirts of the city recorded maximum wind speed of 91 kmph, the weather office said. Other places in south Bengal which received heavy rainfall during the period are Haldia (110 mm), Tamluk (70 mm) and Nimpith (70 mm), it said. (PTI)
Visuals | People roam at beaches a day after cyclone Remal makes landfall
People were seen roaming at the Digha beach a day after cyclone Remal made a landfall over the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh Sunday night, according to news agency ANI.
Rains continue to lash parts of West Bengal early today
Heavy rains and gusty winds continued to lash parts of West Bengal, including South 24 Parganas and Kalighat, news agency ANI reported.
ICG closely monitors landfall of cyclone Remal
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is closely monitoring the landfall of cyclone Remal with a disaster response team, ships and hovercraft on standby at a short notice to respond to further challenges, news agency ANI reported.
Watch | Formation of Cyclone Remal in Bay of Bengal
Here's a video of the formation of Cyclone Remal as shared by The Daily Star from Bangladesh:
Waterlogging in Kolkata, destruction across Bengal coast as Remal makes landfall
Cyclone Remal brought with it a trail of destruction in parts of West Bengal as it made a landfall over the coastal areas of the state and Bangladesh Sunday night.
Heavy rains continue to lash parts of Bengal, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and property as waterlogging was witnessed in parts of the state, roofs of thatched huts were blown away, trees were uprooted and electric poles were knocked down, news agency PTI reported.
(ANI Videos)
Kolkata received heavy rains on Sunday before Cyclone Remal made landfall on Bengal coasts
Kolkata received heavy rains on Sunday before Cyclone Remal made landfall on Bengal coasts. In pic, ovewrcast skies of New Town Kolkata. (Express Photo: Partha Paul)
Dark clouds loom over the river Hooghly
Dark clouds loom over the river Hooghly in Kolkata on Sunday, (Express photo: Partha Paul)
Cylone Remal landfall: Control room set up to monitor cyclone 'Remal'.
Control room set up to monitor cyclone 'Remal'
Cyclone Remal landfall commences over coastal West Bengal, Bangladesh
The landfall of 'severe' cyclone Remal has commenced, the India Meteorological Department said late on Sunday.
Continuing into the midnight, the landfall will take atleast four hours to complete, the Met department said.
The landfall of a cyclone happens when the outermost wall of the cyclone begins to move onto land. Depending on the size of the storm and the speed at which it advances once it hits land, the process can take several hours to complete. Read more
Cyclone Remal: Over 1 lakh people in Bengal's coastal areas shifted to secure shelters
The West Bengal government has evacuated around 1.10 lakh people from coastal regions, including the Sundarbans and Sagar Island, to secure shelters as a precautionary measure against the impending impact of Cyclone Remal which is due to make its landfall at midnight today.To strengthen these efforts, 16 battalions each from the state disaster management and NDRF have already been deployed in the coastal regions, to enhance rescue and relief operations, PTI reported.
Cyclone Remal: Tripura issues red alert in four districts
The Tripura government Sunday issued a red alert in four of its districts -- South, Dhalai, Khowai, and West -- in a precautionary move ahead of severe cyclonic storm 'Remal' which is likely to make landfall between Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts by midnight.
"On Sunday, the chief secretary convened a meeting of the state executive committee of disaster management with all stakeholders to review the preparedness for 'Remal'. Officials from the revenue and meteorological departments, Airports Authority of India and security forces attended the meet," PTI quoted revenue secretary Brijesh Pandey as saying.
Bengal guv urges people to stay alert, follow SOPs for cyclones
Expressing concern over the imminent landfall of severe Cyclone Remal in the coastal areas of West Bengal on Sunday midnight, Governor Dr CV Ananda Bose said he is closely monitoring the situation and is in constant touch with state and central experts to ensure a coordinated response to counter it. Bose emphasised the importance of safety for residents in the coastal regions of Bengal, urging them to adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for cyclones. --PTI
As Bengal braces for Cyclone Remal, a glimpse of Babughat off the Ganges in Kolkata
Visuals from Babughat in Kolkata as ferry services remain suspended till May 27 as Bengal braces for cyclone Remal. The cyclonic storm is to make landfall today midnight between Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts, IMD said.
Cyclone Remal approaches from Bay of Bengal: Bangladesh launches massive evacuation
Bangladesh Sunday launched an massive evacuation campaign in specific areas it prepares for Cyclone 'Remal' forecast to make landfall by evening or midnight, Reuters reported.
A high tidal surge and heavy rainfall is expected in the country's coastal districts of Satkhira and Cox's Bazar.
"A large-scale evacuation has already started. All vulnerable people are presumed to be moved to safer places at the shortest possible time," the BSS news agency quoted Director General of the Department of Disaster Management Mizanur Rahman as saying.
Kolkata airport closed for 21 hours as Cyclone Remal nears, 24/7 control room set up
The West Bengal government on Sunday set up a 24/7 control room at the state secretariat in Kolkata to monitor the situation in the coastal districts and areas expecting heavy rain in the wake of Cyclone Remal, which is brewing in the Bay of Bengal and likely to make landfall in Bangladesh and Bengal at midnight.
This control room will collaborate with the police, disaster management teams, Kolkata municipality, and emergency response forces (National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Coast Guard and Civil Defence). For information or assistance during the cyclone, call the control room at 1070 or 033 22143526. Read more
Bangladesh braces for year's first cyclone, raises storm danger signal to highest level of 10
Bangladesh and India braced for this year's first cyclone as a storm with wind speeds of up to 120 kmh (75 mph) is set to make landfall late on Sunday, India's weather department stated.
The Bangladesh weather office raised its storm danger signal to the highest level of 10 on Sunday for two ports and nine coastal districts in the South Asian nation, announcing warnings over loudspeakers.
The country has set up nearly 8,000 cyclone shelters and 78,000 volunteers have been mobilised, the state minister for disaster management and relief, Mohibbur Rahman, told news agency Reuters. 'We are maintaining regular communication with the regional specialized meteorological centre in India,' he said. (Reuters)
Scene from Airport Operation Control Centre as flights remain suspended at Kolkata airport
The Airport Operation Control Centre remained functional as flights were suspended to-and-fro Kolkata airport on Sunday in view of cyclone Remal's landfall.
(Express Photo by Partha Paul)
9 flights from, 7 flights to Kolkata airport cancelled
About 9 flights from the Kolkata airport and seven flights to it were cancelled in view of the approaching cyclone 'Remal' on Sunday.
The aerodram was closed at 12:16 pm on Sunday.
In Pics | Flight operations remain suspended at Kolkata airport in view of cyclone 'Remal'
Flight operations remained suspended at Kolkata airport in view of cyclone 'Remal,' beginning from noon on Sunday till 9 am on Monday.
(Express Photos by Partha Paul)
ICG takes measures to prevent loss of life at sea, NDRF deploys teams in Bengal districts
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) took pre-emptive measures to prevent loss of life or property at sea, with remote operating stations at Haldia and Paradip alerting fishing vessels and merchant ships, ahead of cyclone Remal's landfall today midnight, news agency PTI reported.
The ICG also prepared ships and aircraft for search and rescue missions, with disaster relief teams on standby at Haldia, Fraserganj, Paradip, and Gopalpur. A control room has also been set up at the Kolkata Police headquarters in Lalbazar to coordinate state agency efforts.
"Ten Kolkata police teams have been deployed across ten police divisions of the city. We are also coordinating with KMC, SDRF and NDRF," a senior police officer said.
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are also headed to the districts expected to be affected by the cyclonic storm. The NDRF has deployed teams with equipment across several districts including Kolkata, North 24-Parganas, Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, South 24-Parganas, Howrah and Hooghly. (PTI)
Damage expected over West Bengal districts in view of cyclone Remal: IMD
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), damage is expected over West Bengal districts in view of cyclone Remal, including, over South & North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hoogly, Kolkata and adjoining East Medinipur.
The cyclone could produce the following damages:
? Major damage to thatched houses/ huts. Possibilities of damage to vulnerable structure.
? Unattached metal sheets may fly.
? Breaking of tree branches, uprooting of trees. Major damage to banana and papaya
trees. Dead limbs may blow off from trees.
? Damage to power and communication lines due to breaking of branches and
uprooting of trees.
? Damage to Kutcha and minor damage to Pucca roads due to heavy rain.
? Damage to paddy crops, horticultural crops and orchards.
? Inundation of low-lying areas and localized flooding
? Occasional reduction in visibility due to heavy rainfall.
? Disruption of traffic due to water logging and squally winds
IMD issues heavy rainfall warning for West Bengal, Odisha, Northeastern states
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued heavy rainfall warning for West Bengal, Odisha and Northeastern states for May 26 and 27.
West Bengal: Light to moderate rainfall in most places and heavy-to-very-heavy rainfall at a few places is likely over coastal districts of West Bengal and eastern districts of Gangetic West Bengal adjacent to Bangladesh on 26th and 27th of May with isolated extremely heavy rainfall (≥ 20 cm) over these districts on 26th May. The peak rainfall activity is likely during noon of 26th to noon of 27th May, the IMD stated.
Odisha: Light to moderate rainfall at most places with isolated heavy rainfall is likely over North Coastal Odisha on 26th May, the IMD said.
Northeastern states: Light to moderate rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places is likely over Mizoram, Tripura and South Manipur on 26th and over Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur & Tripura on 27th & 28th May, according to the weather agency.
Cyclone Remal likely to continue moving nearly northwards, intensify further by midnight
Severe cyclonic storm 'Remal' likely to continue moving nearly northwards, intensify further and cross Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts between Sagar Island and Khepupara, close to southwest of Mongla (Bangladesh) by Sunday midnight, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), as a Severe Cyclonic Storm with maximum sustained wind speed of 110-120 kmph gusting to 135 kmph.
NDRF plans to evacuate people from low-lying areas, start relief ops in Tripura
West Tripura District Magistrate and Collector, Vishal Kumar Saturday said that NDRF teams are preparing to evacuate people from low-lying areas to safe shelters and start relief operations as and when needed, news agency ANI reported.
Authorities in Tripura told ANI that they are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for further developments on the cyclonic storm. All District Magistrates (DMs) were advised to follow IMD's impact-based advisories and take appropriate measures, ANI reported.
'IMD has issued an advisory. It includes all the districts in the south of Tripura. There will be strong winds and heavy rainfall from the evening of May 25... Due to low-pressure zone in Northeast region and Southeast Asia, cyclonic winds will move from the Bay of Bengal. We have alerted all the field officers... Workers of the forest department are also alert. We have NDRF and other teams ready. We are in regular contact with IMD,' DM Vishal Kumar told ANI on Saturday. (ANI)
Why are cyclones intensifying so rapidly in recent years?
According to scientists, cyclonic storms are intensifying rapidly and retaining their potency for longer periods due to warmer sea surface temperatures, a result of oceans absorbing most of the excess heat from greenhouse gas emissions, news agency PTI stated.
According to senior IMD scientist D S Pai, warmer sea surface temperatures would mean more moisture, which is favourable for the intensification of cyclones.
Madhavan Rajeevan, former secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, said a sea surface temperature of 27 degrees Celsius and above is needed for a low-pressure system to intensify into a cyclone. The sea surface temperature in Bay of Bengal is around 30 degrees Celsius at present.
'The Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea are very warm at present, so a tropical cyclone can easily form,' he said. 'A cyclone will not intensify if the vertical wind shear (a change in wind speed and/or wind direction with altitude) is very large. It will weaken,' Rajeevan said.
Vishwas Chitale, Senior Programme Lead at the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW), said that cyclones in the Bay of Bengal have undergone rapid intensification in recent years.
'A CEEW study analysing the occurrence of tropical cyclones over the last five decades found that the districts on India's eastern coast are highly exposed to the impacts of cyclones. However, considering these risks, the government has been strengthening the adaptive capacity of local stakeholders to reduce the degree of loss through initiatives like the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP),' he said. (PTI)
Cyclone Remal to impact the Sunderbans mangrove forest
Cyclone 'Remal' is likely to impact the Sundarbans mangrove forest, news agency PTI reported.
Sundarbans, according to the report, is home to diverse fauna, including 260 bird species, the Bengal tiger, and other threatened species such as the estuarine crocodile and the Indian python.
Sundarbans is one of the most affected regions due to climate change-induced sea level rise, salinity, sedimentation, and land erosion. In the past, cyclones like Bulbul and Fani have severely impacted the habitat and highly sensitive ecosystem of the great mangrove forest. (PTI)
Cyclone 'Remal' intensifies into severe cyclonic storm; to hit Bengal, Bangladesh coasts Sunday night
Cyclone 'Remal' has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm and is expected to make landfall between West Bengal's Sagar Island and Bangladesh's Khepupara on Sunday night, the IMD said, news agency PTI reported.
According to an update issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone is likely to intensify further and cross the West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh coasts between Sagar Island and Khepupara with wind speeds of 110 to 120 kmph, gusting to 135 kmph around midnight.
The weather agency also warned of extremely heavy rainfall in coastal districts of West Bengal and north Odisha. Parts of northeast India may also experience extremely heavy rainfall on May 27 and 28. (PTI)
394 flights to not operate to-and-fro Kolkata airport following suspension
A total of 394 flights, arrival and departure, in both international and domestic sectors would not operate to and fro the airport during the flight suspension period, an Airports Authority of India (AAI) spokesperson told PTI.
The precautionary measure was taken after a meeting of the stakeholders of the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport here on Saturday, the official said.
This was done during the meeting as per the Met department report. It said that heavy wind with speeds more than 50-to-60 knots and gusting up to 70 knots. One knot is equivalent to 1.852 km per hour, PTI reported.
“In view of cyclone Remal's impact on the coastal region of West Bengal, including Kolkata, a meeting was held with the stakeholders and it has been decided to suspend flight operations from 1200 IST on May 26 to 0900 IST on May 27 due to predicted heavy winds and heavy to very heavy rainfall in Kolkata,” NSCBI Airport Director C Pattabhi said in a statement.
“Similarly, no flights will come or depart from Kolkata after 12 noon on Sunday and it is well ahead of the cyclone's landfall time. So no aircraft, departing and arriving, would encounter very bad weather en route,” according to an official. (PTI)
Flight ops suspended at Kolkata airport ahead of cyclonic storm Remal’s landfall
In view of cyclone Remal’s landfall, Kolkata airport shall suspend flight operations for 21 hours from Sunday noon.
The India Meteorological Department(IMD) reported that a low-pressure system over Bay of Bengal has intensified into cyclonic storm ‘Remal’.
The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata will also suspend all cargo and container handling operations for 12 hours from Sunday evening, officials said. Railway operations in the port area will also be suspended during that time, officials said.
Cyclone Remal formed, landfall likely between West Bengal, Bangladesh coasts on Sunday midnight
A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm, named Remal, on Saturday evening and is likely to turn severe before making landfall between the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh on Sunday midnight, the IMD said.
Moving in a northward direction, it is likely to concentrate further into a severe cyclonic storm by Sunday morning and cross West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh coasts between Sagar Island and Khepupara with a wind speed of 110 to 120 kmph, gusting to 135 kmph, by midnight of Sunday.
A red alert was issued for West Bengal's coastal districts of South and North 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur, and also for adjoining Kolkata, Howrah and Hooghly, where extremely heavy rain is likely on Sunday and Monday.
In north Odisha, the coastal districts of Balasore, Bhadrak and Kendrapara will receive heavy rain on Sunday and Monday.
People in the affected areas have been asked to remain indoors and vacate vulnerable structures.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) said it has taken all pre-emptive measures to ensure there is no loss of life or property at sea.
ICG's remote operating stations at Haldia and Paradip are alerting fishing vessels and merchant ships through VHF (very high frequency) broadcasts, a statement said. (PTI)
Deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensifies into a Cyclonic Storm “Remal”
Kolkata airport to suspend flight operations for 21 hours from Sunday midnight in view of cyclone Remal's landfall
India Meteorological Department(IMD) reported that a low-pressure system over Bay of Bengal has intensified into cyclonic storm ‘Remal’. In view of cyclone Remal’s landfall, Kolkata airport shall suspend flight operations for 21 hours from Sunday noon.
The system is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm over east central and adjoining North Bay today: IMD scientist Dr Somenath Dutta
Meanwhile in Bangladesh, the country prepares to face severe cyclone 'Remal' on Sunday
Bangladesh has readied nearly 4,000 shelters equipped with adequate dry food supplies and water as it prepares for severe cyclonic storm 'Remal' forecast to make landfall on Sunday evening with a potential high tidal surge and heavy rainfall in the coastal districts of Satkhira and Cox's Bazar, media reports said on Saturday.
Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) is expected to issue a 'great danger' signal number 10 between 12 midnight and 1:00 am Sunday.
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), the state-owned news agency, quoted a special bulletin that said maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal number three in the wake of the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal.
This is the first cyclone in the Bay of Bengal in this pre-monsoon season and will be named Remal (meaning sand in Arabic), according to a system of naming cyclones in the Indian Ocean region.
State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohibur Rahman told a press conference here that nearly 4,000 shelter centres have been readied in the coastal districts, equipped with adequate dry food supplies. (PTI)
Kolkata Port announces suspension of operations on Sunday night amid cyclone alert
The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata will suspend all cargo and container handling operations for 12 hours from Sunday evening in view of the forecast of a cyclonic storm, officials said.
The operations will be suspended from 6 pm on Sunday till 6 am on Monday, they said.
The decision was taken for the safety of dock workers, they added.
Port chairperson Rathendra Raman held a meeting on Saturday to oversee the preparedness for dealing with the impact of the possible cyclone. At the meeting with port officials, he emphasised on proactive measures and inter-departmental cooperation.
Railway operations in the port area will also be suspended during that time, officials said.
The cyclone is likely to make landfall on Sunday night along the adjoining coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh with a wind speed of 110-120 km per hour, gusting to 135 kmph, the weather office said. (PTI)
South Tripura witnesses 81 kmph wind speed as the state braces for Cyclone Remal impact
South Tripura witnessed 81 kmph wind speed as the state braces for Cyclone Remal impact. The anticipated landfall of the cyclone is projected to occur in West Bengal and the coastal regions of Bangladesh around midnight on May 26. The cyclone will bring with it extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds. The primary regions affected are West Bengal, Coastal Bangladesh, Tripura and some other parts of north-eastern states.
Severe cyclone Remal heads for Bengal coast, northeast braces for impact
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Agartala has issued a severe cyclone warning for the northeastern region of India and coastal areas of Bangladesh. Cyclone Remal is expected to make landfall in Bengal on Sunday.
The anticipated landfall of the cyclone is projected to occur in West Bengal and the coastal regions of Bangladesh around midnight on May 26. The cyclone will bring with it extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds.
A low-pressure area that was first observed on May 22 in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a more depressive system, now located in the central Bay of Bengal. IMD predicts that this system will further intensify into a cyclone and move towards northeastern India by the morning of May 25.
The primary regions affected are West Bengal, Coastal Bangladesh, Tripura and some other parts of north-eastern states. Residents in these areas, as well as in the neighbouring state of Tripura, are urged to brace for adverse weather conditions starting from May 26.
The Tripura regions are expected to be lashed with severe rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lighting with speeds ranging from 40-50 kmph and with gusts reaching up to 70 kmph at peak times. (ANI)