Cyclone Remal Weakens, Leaves Trail of Destruction in Eastern India
Cyclone Remal, which made landfall along the coastlines of West Bengal and Bangladesh on Sunday night, is set to gradually transition into a cyclonic storm on Monday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Despite the impending weakening, the cyclone has already left a path of destruction in West Bengal, causing significant damage to infrastructure and property.
As of Monday morning, IMD reported that Cyclone Remal was likely to move north-northeastwards, gradually weakening into a cyclonic storm over the next three hours. The department further indicated that the storm would then continue northeastward, accompanied by a further reduction in intensity.
The cyclone made landfall on Sunday at approximately 8:30 pm between Sagar Island in West Bengal and Khepupara in Bangladesh, bringing with it wind speeds of up to 135 kmph.
Impact on West Bengal
The impact of Cyclone Remal in West Bengal has been significant, with reports of uprooted trees, flattened homes, and downed electric poles. One individual sustained injuries from flying debris in the Gosaba area of the Sundarbans, while another was injured due to a wall collapse in Kolkata's Bibir Bagan area.
Authorities evacuated over 1 lakh residents from vulnerable areas in the state prior to the cyclone's arrival.
Response and Preparedness
Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a meeting on Sunday evening to assess the response and preparedness for Cyclone Remal. The National Crisis Management Committee remained in regular communication with the West Bengal government.
Teams from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and Kolkata Police Disaster Management Department are actively clearing fallen trees in the city's Alipore area. The situation is anticipated to return to normalcy by Monday, as per South Kolkata DC Priyabrate Roy.
Outlook for Northeastern States
As Cyclone Remal moves towards the northeast on Monday, a red alert has been issued for seven districts in Assam, with an 'orange alert' in place for 11 districts. The IMD has forecast extensive rainfall in Assam and other northeastern states on Monday and Tuesday, accompanied by squally winds of 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph over South Assam and Meghalaya.
The Indian Coast Guard remains on high alert, monitoring the situation closely with disaster response teams, ships, and hovercraft standing by to respond to any post-impact challenges.
Impact on Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, over 8 lakh people were evacuated from low-lying areas along the country's southwestern coast. Authorities reported the tragic loss of one individual who was swept away by tidal surges in Patuakhali, while several others sustained injuries.
The coastal districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Jhalakathi, Barguna, Barisal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Feni, Comilla, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, and Chandpur are currently facing the threat of cyclone-related impacts.
