The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for rainfall in West Bengal, predicting that a cyclone will strike the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh on May 26. The depression over the central Bay of Bengal has been moving towards the northeast at a speed of 20 kmph for the past three hours, and it is expected to continue moving in that direction. By May 25th, it is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm over the east-central Bay of Bengal.
According to Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology at IMD, the cyclone is expected to reach the coastal areas of West Bengal by midnight on May 26th, with wind speeds of 110-120 kmph. He added that the wind speed is likely to be higher in the North and South 24 Parganas and East Medinipur districts of West Bengal.
As a result of the cyclone, light to moderate rainfall will begin on May 26-27. In addition to heavy to very heavy rainfall in West Bengal, extremely heavy rainfall is also expected. Mohapatra warned that coastal areas of North Odisha could experience isolated heavy rainfall, with wind speeds of 40-50 kmph. All northeastern states will experience rainfall, and an extreme rainfall warning has been issued for some areas.
To prepare for the approaching cyclonic storm, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has taken proactive steps. Nine disaster relief teams have been deployed at strategic locations to minimize potential loss of life and property at sea. The Ministry of Defence has also positioned nine disaster relief teams at strategic locations, including Haldia, Paradip, Gopalpur, and Frazerganj, to provide immediate assistance if needed.
The Odisha government has directed authorities in four districts to undertake preparatory measures. SRC Satyabrata Sahu has issued alerts to the collectors of Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, and Mayurbhanj, urging them to make necessary preparations ahead of the impending calamity.
This cyclone, named Remal by Oman, is the first cyclonic activity in the Bay of Bengal in this pre-monsoon season, following the naming convention for cyclones in the north Indian Ocean region. The severe cyclonic storm is expected to make landfall along the West Bengal and Bangladesh coasts, bringing wind speeds of 40 to 50 kmph and heavy rainfall to most areas of the four districts. Merchant vessels at anchorages have been alerted, and port authorities have been advised to take appropriate actions.
Despite the fishing ban in force, the Fisheries Department has been cautioned to inform country boats in their respective areas about the developing situation.
