Severe Cyclonic Storm Remal hit between the coasts of Bangladesh and West Bengal at around 8:30 pm on Sunday, bringing heavy rains and significant destruction to the region.
Top Ten Updates on Cyclone Remal
- Landfall and Impact: Cyclone Remal made landfall between Sagar Island in West Bengal and Khepupara in Bangladesh. The storm brought torrential rains, causing widespread flooding of homes and farmlands and sweeping fishing boats inland.
- Meteorological Details: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Remal made landfall with wind speeds up to 135 kmph.
- Destruction: The cyclone flattened fragile homes, uprooted trees, and knocked down electric poles in North and South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore districts.
- Evacuation Efforts: Over one lakh people were evacuated from vulnerable areas in West Bengal, particularly focusing on South 24 Parganas, including Sagar Island, Sundarbans, and Kakdwip.
- Flooding: Streets and homes in low-lying areas near Kolkata were inundated. In the Bibir Bagan area of Kolkata, one person was injured due to a wall collapse caused by heavy rain.
- Transportation Disruptions: Cyclone Remal caused significant disruptions in air, rail, and road transport. Eastern and South Eastern Railways canceled several trains, and Kolkata airport suspended flight operations for 21 hours, affecting 394 flights.
- Weather Forecast: According to IMD’s eastern regional head, Somnath Dutta, southern Bengal districts will continue to experience strong winds and heavy rainfall.
- Government Response: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting to review the preparedness and response efforts for the storm. West Bengal Governor Dr. CV Ananda Bose closely monitored the situation.
- Municipal Actions: The Kolkata Municipal Corporation evacuated people from high-rise and dilapidated buildings. Mayor Firhad Hakim stated that 15,000 civic employees were mobilized to address post-cyclone scenarios, with equipment ready to clear uprooted trees.
- Ongoing Weather Conditions: Areas like Digha, Kakdwip, and Jaynagar experienced light rains and winds, which are expected to intensify on Monday.
Cyclone Remal has caused severe damage and disruptions, and the region braces for more rain and recovery efforts in the coming days.
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