Cyclone Remal batters coastal regions, several structures destroyed

New Delhi, May 27: Cyclone Remal struck the coastal regions with wind speeds reaching up to 130 kmph, losing much of its strength as it passed over the Sundarbans, which acted as a natural shield.

Several structures were destroyed, and many trees were uprooted in the coastal areas.

Reports from North and South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore districts indicate extensive damage to thatched roofs, electric poles, and trees. Severe flooding affected low-lying areas near Kolkata. Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage caused by the cyclone.

The centre of the severe cyclone landed between Khepupara in Patuakhali, Bangladesh, and Sagar Island in West Bengal. Bangladesh, located east of the cyclone's eye, bore the brunt of the storm. Over one lakh people were evacuated to safer areas in the coastal districts of West Bengal. The cyclone brought heavy rains and tidal surges, with waves reaching one to two meters in Bengal and up to three meters in Bangladesh around midnight.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), wind speeds reached up to 120 kmph, with gusts up to 135 kmph as the storm hit West Bengal's Sagar Island and Bangladesh's Khepupara area.

The system is expected to move north-north-eastwards and gradually weaken into a cyclonic storm over the next few hours. The IMD bulletin at 6:30 am on Monday indicated that the system was weakening after landfall. At the time of landfall, the cyclone had maximum sustained surface wind (MSW) speeds of 110-120 kmph, gusting to 135 kmph. By 4:30 am, the MSW had decreased to 85-95 kmph, gusting to 105 kmph.

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) reported that a marine heatwave of moderate intensity impacted 38% of the Bay of Bengal basin on Friday. This unusual warmth contributed to the intensification of Cyclone Remal, although other conditions were not conducive to its further intensification.

Earlier warnings from the IMD predicted extremely heavy rainfall in the coastal districts of West Bengal and heavy to very heavy rainfall in northern Odisha on Sunday and Monday. Assam and Meghalaya and other northeastern states, including Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura, may receive some showers on Monday.

Flights from Kolkata remain suspended and are expected to resume by late afternoon. An Airports Authority of India (AAI) spokesperson confirmed that around 400 flights, both domestic and international, will be grounded during this period.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued advisories predicting heavy rainfall and strong winds in Tripura and other northeastern states from the night of May 26 to May 29.

Local administrations, along with the Indian Coastal Guard, have relocated thousands of fishermen's families and continuously advise coastal residents to seek safer locations. Several makeshift camps have been established by volunteers and officials to provide shelter.

The Indian Navy has initiated extensive preparatory actions, following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), to ensure a robust Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) response. Two ships equipped with HADR and medical supplies are on standby to support the affected areas.