Kolkata: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that Cyclone Remal is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm within the next six hours. The storm is projected to make landfall between Bangladesh and West Bengal around midnight on Sunday.

According to the IMD's post on X, "The CS 'Remal' over North Bay of Bengal is about 290 km south-southeast of Sagar Islands (West Bengal), 300 km south-southwest of Khepupara (Bangladesh), and 320 km south-southeast of Canning (West Bengal). It is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm in the next six hours and cross between the Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts around midnight on May 26 as a severe cyclonic storm."

The IMD has forecasted that the cyclone will bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to West Bengal, coastal Bangladesh, Tripura, and parts of the northeastern states.

Initially identified as a low-pressure area on May 22 in the Bay of Bengal, the system has now intensified into a more severe cyclonic storm located in the North Bay of Bengal. The primary regions expected to be affected include West Bengal, coastal Bangladesh, Tripura, and other parts of the northeastern states. Residents in these areas are advised to prepare for adverse weather conditions starting from May 26.

In response to the impending cyclone, the Kolkata Airport Authority has announced the suspension of flight operations for 21 hours. "In view of Cyclone Remal's impact on the coastal region of West Bengal, including Kolkata, a meeting with stakeholders decided to suspend flight operations from 12:00 IST on May 26 to 09:00 IST on May 27, due to predicted heavy winds and heavy to very heavy rainfall at Kolkata," stated the Kolkata Airport Authority.

Authorities in West Bengal and Tripura are on high alert, preparing for any potential emergencies resulting from the cyclone. An official from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, confirmed their readiness to handle any disaster. "We are fully prepared for the cyclone. If it hits here, our soldiers are ready to deal with every kind of disaster... Our team is well-equipped and ready for tree falling or flood rescues," said NDRF Inspector Zaheer Abbas.

In Tripura, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the IMD for updates on the cyclonic storm. District Magistrates have been advised to follow the IMD's impact-based advisories and take necessary precautions. West Tripura District Magistrate and Collector, Vishal Kumar, stated that NDRF and other teams are prepared to evacuate people from low-lying areas to safe shelters and provide relief if needed.

"IMD has issued an advisory that 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 the low-pressure zone in the Northeast region and Southeast Asia, cyclonic winds will move from the Bay of Bengal. We have alerted all field officers and the forest department. NDRF and other teams are ready. We are in regular contact with IMD," DM Vishal Kumar informed the media on Saturday.

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