Severe Cyclonic Storm Remal Heads Toward Bangladesh and West Bengal Coasts

As Severe Cyclonic Storm Remal strengthens in the Bay of Bengal, coastal communities in India and Bangladesh prepare for potential damage. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects landfall on Sunday morning, May 26th, with thunderstorms, severe winds, and an awful storm surge. Let us look deeper into Remal trajectory, projected effect, and critical preparation steps.

Cyclone Remal’s Path and Projected Impact:

• Landfall and Timing: Remal is projected to make landfall either on Sagar Island, India, or Khepupara, Bangladesh, around midnight on May 26th. This period presents a considerable risk since the darkness generally equates to higher vulnerabilities.
• Wind Power:The IMD estimates wind speeds of 110-120 kilometers per hour (kmph), with gusts topping 135 kilometers per hour at landfall. These strong winds may cause important damage to infrastructure, uproot trees, and produce fatal flying debris.
• Heavy Rainfall Threat: The coastal areas in West Bengal and north Odisha are most prone to extreme rains on May 26th and 27th. This excessive rainfall can cause flash floods, inundating low-lying communities and interrupting key services. Further inland, excessive precipitation is expected, perhaps producing landslides and mudslides in susceptible locations. The possibility of continuous heavy rain in northeast India on May 27th and 28th raises more concerns.
• Storm Surge Warning: A storm surge of up to 1.5 meters poses an extreme risk at landfall. This surge has the potential to Flood low-lying coastal regions, displacing populations and causing significant damage to property. Prone to floods areas should be on high alert.
  

Warnings and Urgent Advisories:

Red Alert Issued: The IMD has issued a red alert in West Bengal’s coastal districts of South and North 24 Parganas. This red alert denotes the most severe weather conditions, with heavy to very heavy rain and high winds (80-90 kmph with gusts up to 100 kmph) predicted for May 26th and 27th. Residents in these locations should take critical precautions and follow to local authorities’ guidance.

Orange Alert for Neighboring Districts: An orange alert has been issued for the districts of Kolkata, Howrah, Nadia, and Purba Medinipur, significance that heavy rains and severe winds (of 80-90 kmph with gusts up to 100 kmph) will occur on May 26th and 27th. Residents in these locations should also be prepared for possible disruptions and keep updated on reports of the weather.

Evacuation Orders and Safety Measures: Residents in low-lying coastal regions and those living in susceptible structures should be prepared to evacuate to designated shelters if ordered by local authorities. Securing unprotected goods outdoors, storing emergency supplies (such as food, water, and pharmaceuticals), and creating a communication plan are all critical measures.

Fishermen Advised to Stay Ashore: The IMD has issued an extreme caution to fishermen to avoid entering the north Bay of Bengal till the morning of May 27. Rough seas and high winds pose a serious threat to anyone at sea.

Odisha Prepares for Remal Impact: While landfall is forecast in West Bengal or Bangladesh, Odisha, a neighboring state, is also taking precautions. Authorities in the coastal districts of Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, and Mayurbhanj are closely monitoring the storm’s achievable effect. Wind gusts of 40-50 kmph will be possible along with powerful to very heavy rain in these districts. Residents in these locations should remain up to date on weather conditions and obey local authorities’ guidance.

Cyclone Remal: Background and Naming:

• The Bay of Bengal is experiencing its first pre-monsoon storm of the season.
• Oman provided the name “Remal” according to with the regional naming method for windstorms in the north Indian Ocean.

Stay Informed:

• For most current forecasts and advisories, pay close attention to IMD weather updates.
• Follow local authorities’ guidance for evacuation or additional security measures.

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