Cyclone Remal Intensifies: Severe cyclonic storm to hit Bengal, Bangladesh coasts tonight

New Delhi, May 26: Cyclone Remal, which emerged as a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm. The storm is expected to make landfall between the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh around midnight on Sunday, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). Named by Oman, Remal means "sand" in Arabic and is the first cyclone in the Bay of Bengal this pre-monsoon season.

The IMD has issued warnings of extremely heavy rainfall in the coastal districts of West Bengal, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in northern Odisha on Sunday and Monday. Assam and Meghalaya are also likely to experience extremely heavy precipitation, while other northeastern states, including Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura, are forecasted to receive heavy to very heavy rains on Monday and Tuesday.

In anticipation of the cyclone's impact, Kolkata airport will suspend flight operations for 21 hours starting from afternoon on Sunday. An Airports Authority of India (AAI) spokesperson confirmed that around 400 flights, both domestic and international, will be grounded during this period.

Additionally, the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata will halt all cargo and container handling operations from 6 pm on Sunday to 6 am on Monday to ensure the safety of dock workers.

The IMD has reported that the low-pressure system initially detected in the Bay of Bengal on May 22 has developed into a significant depression, now situated in the central Bay of Bengal.

The storm, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 110-120 kmph and gusts up to 135 kmph, is predicted to make landfall near Khepupara and Sagar Island around 11 pm on Sunday.

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

Local administrations, along with the Indian Coastal Guard, have relocated thousands of fishermen families and are continuously advising residents in coastal areas 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 ready for immediate deployment to support the affected areas. Naval Headquarters and the Eastern Naval Command are closely monitoring the situation to coordinate these efforts effectively.

The authorities are urging residents in the affected regions to stay indoors and follow safety instructions to minimize risks during the cyclone.