India and Bangladesh are facing the threat of the first cyclone of the year, named “Remal.” The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the cyclone will intensify into a severe storm with wind speeds of up to 120 kmh (75 mph) before making landfall tonight. The IMD has issued the highest level of storm warning for two ports and nine coastal districts in Bangladesh. In response, the country has set up around 8,000 shelters and mobilized 78,000 volunteers. The neighboring region of West Bengal in India has also taken precautionary measures, including suspending flights from Kolkata and mobilizing disaster relief forces. While rainfall has started in some parts of the state, Kolkata remains relatively unaffected. Experts anticipate extremely heavy rainfall in coastal regions of Bangladesh and West Bengal, as well as in parts of Tripura and other northeastern states. The cyclone is expected to weaken as it crosses land, but heavy rainfall could lead to localized flooding and other hazards.
Cyclone Remal to Hit Bengal Tonight
