The imposing Cyclone Remal has now begun to unveil its intensity. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that Cyclone Remal is poised to collide with the coastlines of West Bengal and Bangladesh shortly. Kolkata neighborhoods are already experiencing the onset of heavy rains. IMD forecasts wind speeds to reach 120-130 km/h at the time of landfall. 14 teams of NDRF have been deployed in South Bengal.
The Governor of Bengal has issued warnings urging citizens to remain vigilant and adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Dr. C.V. Anand Bose stated that he is closely monitoring the circumstances and remains in continuous contact with state and central experts to manage the situation. The NDRF has deployed a total of 14 teams in West Bengal to combat the cyclone. Meanwhile, in Delhi, Prime Minister Modi has conducted a review meeting concerning the preparations to face Cyclone Remal.
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- Kolkata Electric Supply Corporation has preemptively shut down power in certain areas due to the heavy rains and strong winds. Although power was previously cut off in some regions, the department has now restored it.
- Wind speeds are anticipated to escalate from 110-120 km/h to around 135 km/h. Cyclone Remal's impact is expected to remain for the next 6 hours, weakening thereafter.
- Heavy rainfall continues in Kolkata due to Cyclone Remal. Kolkata Police have hence released helpline numbers: 9432610428, 9432610429.
- A tree has toppled over near Sagar Bypass Road in West Bengal due to heavy rain and strong winds. The NDRF team has begun clearing the debris from the road.
The Landfall Continues
Somanath Datta, the head of IMD's Eastern Region in Kolkata, stated that the landfall on the coasts of Bangladesh and West Bengal commenced from 8:30 PM. Observations at 10:30 PM indicate the landfall process is ongoing, expected to conclude by 12:30 AM.
14 NDRF Teams on Standby
The commander of NDRF's Eastern Region, Gurminder Singh, has suggested that Cyclone Remal may make landfall around midnight. According to IMD, wind speeds will reach 120-130 km/h during landfall. The 14 NDRF teams are positioned in South Bengal, prepared for heavy rains, although the storm is not anticipated to be as severe as the prior super cyclone, Amphan.
Unified Command Center Set Up by Police
Kolkata Police have established a Unified Command Center at their headquarters to monitor the situation, involving electricity companies, Public Works Department, Kolkata Municipal Corporation, National Disaster Response Force, Kolkata Urban Development Authority (KMDA), emergency services, disaster management groups (DMG), and police officials.
The police have also released helpline numbers for public assistance. In addition to the landline numbers 033-2214-3024 and 033-2214-3230, two mobile helpline numbers 9432610428 and 9432610429 have been announced. The State Secretariat also provides helpline numbers 1070 and (033)-22143526.
Source: aajtak
The Weather Office has advised fishermen not to venture into the northern Bay of Bengal until the morning of May 27. Coastal districts such as South and North 24 Parganas in West Bengal are on red alert for May 26-27, where extreme heavy rainfall is expected.
Source: aajtak
Kolkata Airport Shut Down Since Sunday Afternoon
Authorities at Kolkata Airport have decided to suspend flight operations for 21 hours starting Sunday afternoon, in anticipation of Cyclone Remal's potential impact. A spokesperson for the Airports Authority of India (AAI) told 'PTI' that a total of 394 flights, both international and domestic, will not operate to and from the airport during the suspension period.
