Cyclone Remal Aftermath: 2 Dead in Kolkata After Storm Makes Landfall in Bengal, Flight Ops to Resume After 21 Hours

Cyclone Remal Latest Update: The depression, which transformed into the cyclonic storm ‘Remal‘, started moving northwards and gradually weakened on May 2, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The cyclone also claimed two lives in Kolkata, as the city experienced gusting winds up to 135 kmph, heavy rains that flooded homes and farmland, and left a trail of destruction in its wake.

“The system would continue to move nearly northwards for some more time and then north-northeastwards and weaken gradually into a Cyclonic Storm by the morning of 27 May 2024,” the IMD said.

#WATCH | Waterlogging witnessed in parts of West Bengal’s Kolkata following heavy rain.

Visuals from Bowbazar area#CycloneRemal pic.twitter.com/eW0XpVGjwW

— ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2024

On Sunday, before the landfall, A crucial meeting was held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi held at his residence to review the readiness for the severe cyclone in the North Bay of Bengal.

Here are the latest updates of the severe cyclonic storm ‘Remal’

• Cyclone Remal unleashed its fury on Sunday night around 8:30, battering the coastal stretches from Sagar Island in West Bengal all the way to Khepupara, located near the southwest region of Mongla in Bangladesh.
• The aftermath of the cyclone was notable, causing substantial disruption and damage to the affected areas. Consequently, roughly a million people were rushed to safety in the preceding 48 hours.
• Kolkata, post landfall, experienced severe rain showers and gusty winds. The teams from both Kolkata Municipality and Kolkata Police Disaster Management are hard at work, clearing the Alipore region of toppled trees. South Kolkata’s Deputy Commissioner, Priyabrata Roy, informed ANI that the teams are primarily engaged in clearing roads clogged with fallen trees, and he predicts improvement by the morning. Monitoring of the situation is continuous with control rooms operating nonstop.
• Coastal Bengal and Northern Odisha felt the force of mighty winds blowing at 100-110 kmph on a Sunday evening. Places such as Howrah, Hoogly, Kolkata, and East Medinipur were not spared either, with wind speeds peaking at 45-55 kmph, even spiking at times up to 65 kmph. As if that wasn’t enough, it’s expected that these winds might get even fiercer, potentially blowing as fast as 70-80 kmph, occasionally gusting up to 90 kmph.
• The West Bengal administration has facilitated the relocation of around 110,000 folks hailing from coastal areas including the like of Sundarbans and Sagar Island, directing them to cyclone shelters. Concurrently, the NDRF has tactically deployed 14 squads across nine districts, with additional groups on standby, primed for immediate action.
• Prime Minister Modi has been continually updated on the unfolding scenario by the National Crisis Management Committee, which is closely coordinating with the West Bengal government. Apart from directing that additional NDRF teams stand by for deployment as needed, he’s ensured that 12 teams are already stationed in West Bengal and one in Odisha. Meanwhile, the Indian Coast Guard remains vigilant, ready to respond to any emergencies that may arise.
• The Prime Minister has instructed the departments of Ports, Railways, and Highways to remain alert to prevent any unfortunate incidents. West Bengal’s Governor, Ananda Bose, held an urgent review meeting on the Cyclone ‘Remal’ situation.
• Manik Saha, the head authority of Tripura, announced this Sunday that the local and state administrations are thoroughly prepared for handling Cyclone ‘Remal’s’ impact at the time of it hitting the land. He strongly urged the people residing in Tripura to take utmost caution. The state government of Tripura has sounded a red alert, particularly for four districts including Khowai, West, Dhalai, and South, as per the severe cyclonic storm’s advance warnings.
• The seaside districts of West Bengal and the eastern areas near Bangladesh are bracing for persistent heavy rains until May 27th, Monday. The recent weather update issued on Sunday night suggests that we might witness the heaviest downpour from midday on May 26 through to midday on May 27.
• There’s a heads up for all the fishermen out there! It would be wise to steer clear of both the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea until we hit Monday, May 27th. If you’re already out on the open sea, it’s probably best to start weighing anchor and making your way back to solid ground as soon as possible.