India’s eastern state of West Bengal is bracing for a severe cyclone on Sunday (May 26), ahead of which major airlines have already suspended operations in the state. Cyclone Remal is expected to bring heavy rainfall and powerful winds to the coastal areas of West Bengal as well as neighbouring Bangladesh, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Which states are expected to receive rainfall?
Six Indian states are expected to receive rainfall on Sunday. West Bengal will be the worst hit of all. Northeastern states like Tripura, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur will also receive rainfall and storms on May 26. North Coastal Odisha may also receive rainfall on May 25-26.
The deep depression intensified into a Cyclonic Storm “Remal” over the Northwest and adjoining Northeast & East-central Bay of Bengal at 5.30 pm on May 25. (Cyclone Warning for West Bengal Coast: Orange Message): IMD pic.twitter.com/jJJfxDMXpV
— ANI (@ANI) May 25, 2024
In West Bengal, the IMD has issued an orange alert in places like Kolkata, Howrah, Nadia, and Purba Medinipur districts. The weather department has further issued warnings of wind speeds of 80 to 90 kmph, gusting to 100 kmph, and heavy to very heavy rainfall at some places on May 26-27.
Meanwhile, a red alert has been issued for West Bengal’s coastal districts of South and North 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur.
In northeastern states, rains might continue till May 27-28.
Airlines suspend operations
Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet announced Saturday (May 25) that they are suspending operations at Kolkata airport because of the IMD alert. Kolkata airport also suspended operations for 9 hours starting Sunday midnight.
Kolkata port also suspended operations for 12 hours from Sunday evening. The operations will be suspended from 6 pm on Sunday till 6 am on Monday, the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata declared.
Thousands evacuated
According to officials, thousands of people were evacuated and brought to shelters from the coastal regions of West Bengal on Saturday.
“We have already identified the low lying and vulnerable areas. Initially we plan to evacuate around 8,000-10,000 villagers from low lying areas. While some may move to the cyclone shelters by Saturday night, the rest would be brought in on Sunday,” said Sumit Gupta, district magistrate of South 24 Parganas.
What intensified Cyclone Remal?
According to the IMD, a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal intensified into Cyclone Remal.
This is the first cyclone in the region before the 2024 monsoon season.
(With inputs from agencies)