Cyclone Remal: Tripura sounds red alert in four districts, shuts schools for 2 days

As per the IMD, cyclonic Storm ‘Remal’ is centred over Bay of Bengal and has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm.

“It is very likely to continue to move north-northwards and intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm with maximum sustained wind speed of 110-120 kmph gusting to 135 kmph,” the weather department said.

According to immediate instructions, the state government informed the Airport Authority of India (AAI), Agartala, that all flights on Kolkata-Agartala route stand cancelled till 9 am tomorrow.

“Passengers are being informed by the concerned airlines. Other flights arriving from Delhi, Bangalore and Guwahati are operating as per schedule,” a government official said this evening.

The Revenue secretary said updated information on the air traffic would be released soon.

As a precautionary measure, the state government shut down all schools, educational institutions and anganwadi centres on May 27 and 28. “Keeping in view of the severe cyclonic storm and the decision of the state Government it is notified that Tripura University shall remain closed on 27th and 28th May, 2024,” read a notification issued this evening.

The state transport department was also advised to coordinate with Indian Railways, Airport Authority of India (AAI) and Road Transports for public safety and inform the public if there were any cancellations of flights, trains and other transports.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was requested to mobilise a team to the southern part of the state, especially Shantirbazar to cater to South Tripura and Gomati Districts. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams would remain ready to respond to any crisis situation.

The Food Department was also directed to ensure availability of food and essential supplies. The Department of Fisheries was asked to alert fishermen not to enter lakes, rivers, and reservoirs for fishing for the next two days till May 28.

Meanwhile, the state government urged all Tripura residents to not panic and assured that the government is ready to handle the impact of cyclone effectively.