Severe cyclone Remal to make landfall tonight

New Delhi: A severe cyclonic storm “Remal” is anticipated to make landfall by midnight between Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts, between Sagar Island and Khepupara, close to southwest of Mongla (Bangladesh) with a maximum sustained wind speed of 110-120 kmph gusting to 135 kmph.

The India Meteorological Department forecasted light to moderate rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places over coastal districts of West Bengal and eastern districts of Gangetic West Bengal adjacent to Bangladesh tonight with isolated extremely heavy rainfall (≥ 20 cm) over these today. The peak rainfall activity is likely from noon of May 26 to noon of 27, 2024, it stated.

It also warned of gale wind speed reaching 95-105 kmph gusting to 115 kmph prevailing over the North Bay of Bengal. It was likely to increase to 100-120 kmph gusting to 135 kmph from noon till midnight of May 26. It was likely to decrease thereafter becoming 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph by tomorrow morning and squally wind speed reaching 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph by tomorrow evening.

The Indian Navy said it had initiated preparatory actions, following existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), to mount a “credible” Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) response in the aftermath of Cyclone “Remal”. It has readied two ships equipped with HADR and medical supplies for immediate deployment to ensure the safety and welfare of the affected populace. Additionally, Indian Naval aviation assets, including Sea King and Chetak helicopters as well as Dornier aircraft, are on standby for rapid response.

Specialised diving teams with equipment have been stationed in Kolkata to provide prompt assistance. Further diving teams with necessary equipment are on standby in Visakhapatnam, prepared for quick deployment if needed. Two Flood Relief Teams (FRTs), along with HADR and medical supplies, are being positioned in Kolkata. In addition, two FRTs each from Visakhapatnam and Chilka are ready and on standby for deployment at short notice.

Earlier, the cyclone moved nearly northwards, with a speed of 07 kmph during the past 06 hours and lay centred at 0830 hours IST of today, over the North Bay of Bengal near latitude 19.8°N and longitude 89.3°E about 260 km south-southwest of Khepupara (Bangladesh), 310 km south of Mongla (Bangladesh), 240 km south-southeast of Sagar Islands (West Bengal) and 280 km south-southeast of Canning (West Bengal).