The Severe Cyclonic Storm “Remal” (pronounced as “Re-Mal”) over the North Bay of Bengal has intensified significantly. As of 0830 hrs IST today, May 26, 2024, the cyclone was centered near latitude 19.8°N and longitude 89.3°E. It is positioned approximately 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). The storm is currently moving northward at a speed of 7 kmph, with maximum sustained winds of 90-100 kmph gusting up to 110 kmph.
Forecast and Expected Impact
•Movement and Landfall:
Remal is expected to continue its northward trajectory, intensifying further. It is predicted to make landfall between Sagar Island (India) and Khepupara (Bangladesh), close to the southwest of Mongla (Bangladesh), by midnight on May 26, 2024. Upon landfall, the storm is anticipated to have maximum sustained winds of 110-120 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 135 kmph.
Wind Warnings
•Bangladesh and West Bengal Coasts: Current wind speeds along these coasts are 50-60 kmph, gusting up to 70 kmph. These speeds are expected to increase to 70-80 kmph, with gusts up to 90 kmph from the afternoon of May 26. By the evening, the wind speeds are likely to escalate to 100-120 kmph, gusting up to 135 kmph. Post landfall, wind speeds are expected to decrease gradually by the afternoon of May 27.
•Interior Districts: Districts such as Howrah, Hooghly, Kolkata, and East Medinipur are expected to experience winds of 45-55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph from the evening of May 26. These speeds may increase to 70-80 kmph, gusting up to 90 kmph during the night, with slightly lower speeds in East Medinipur.
Rainfall Predictions
West Bengal: Light to moderate rainfall is expected in most areas, with heavy to very heavy rainfall in coastal districts and adjacent Gangetic regions from May 26 to 27. Isolated areas may witness extremely heavy rainfall of 20 cm or more.
Odisha: Light to moderate rainfall is predicted, with isolated heavy rainfall over North Coastal Odisha on May 26.
Northeastern India: Regions including Mizoram, Tripura, and South Manipur are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on May 26. Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur may experience similar conditions on May 27 and 28, with isolated extremely heavy rainfall in some areas.
Preparations and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued severe warnings for the coastal regions of West Bengal and Bangladesh. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other emergency teams are on high alert, ready to respond to potential disasters. Evacuations from low-lying areas are underway, with shelters prepared to accommodate displaced residents.
Detailed Weather Warnings
•Central Bay of Bengal: Gale wind speeds of 80-90 kmph, gusting up to 100 kmph, are expected until noon, decreasing to 50-60 kmph by the morning of May 27.
•North Bay of Bengal: Wind speeds are expected to reach 100-120 kmph, gusting up to 135 kmph, from noon until midnight on May 26. These speeds will decrease to 70-80 kmph by the morning of May 27.
Impact on Kolkata and Surrounding Areas
Flight operations at Kolkata airport have been suspended from May 26 to 9:00 am on May 27 due to anticipated severe weather conditions. The decision aims to ensure passenger safety amid predicted heavy winds and intense rainfall.
Government and Emergency Response
The IMD, in collaboration with state governments and disaster management authorities, is closely monitoring the situation. The NDRF has deployed teams across vulnerable regions, equipped to handle tree falls, flooding, and other emergencies. Local administrations are in constant communication with the IMD to provide timely updates and ensure public safety.
The storm’s intensification is being closely monitored using satellite imagery and ground-based radar systems. The IMD’s predictions indicate a significant impact on both coastal and inland regions, necessitating urgent preparedness measures.
Conclusion
Cyclone Remal poses a severe threat to the coastal regions of West Bengal and Bangladesh, with potential impacts extending to northeastern India. Residents in the affected areas are urged to follow safety guidelines, heed evacuation orders, and stay updated through official channels. The concerted efforts of meteorological agencies, disaster response teams, and local authorities are crucial in mitigating the storm’s impact and ensuring the safety of all affected communities.
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