Bhubaneswar: Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘Remal’ persisted over North Bay of Bengal, about 290 km southsouthwest of Khepupara (Bangladesh), 330 km south of Mongla (Bangladesh), 270 km south-southeast of Sagar Islands (West Bengal), 390 km south-southeast of Digha (West Bengal) and 310 km south-southeast of Canning (West Bengal), on Sunday.
It is very likely to continue to move nearly northwards, intensify further and cross Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts between Sagar Island and Khepupara, close to southwest of Mongla (Bangladesh) by midnight as a Severe Cyclonic Storm with maximum sustained wind speed of 110-120 kmph gusting to 135 kmph, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Storm surge of about 1 metre above astronomical tide is likely to inundate low-lying areas of coastal West Bengal and 3-4 m above astronomical tide likely to inundate low lying areas of coastal Bangladesh around the time of landfall.
IMPACT IN ODISHA
Under its influence, heavy to very rainfall (7 to 20cm) is likely at isolated places in Balasore, and Bhadrak with heavy rainfall (7 to 11cm) at isolated places in Mayurbhanj, Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapada districts in Odisha. Light to moderate rain/thundershower may also occur at most places in north coastal Odisha, and at a few places in remaining parts of the state.
Surface wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is also at one or two places in Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Puri, Khurda, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Cuttack, and Jagatsinghpur districts.
Squally wind speed reaching 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph is also likely to prevail till May 27 morning. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into central Bay of Bengal till May 27 as very rough sea condition is likely along and off North Odisha coast.
SRC REVIEW MEETING
On Sunday, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) reviewed the situation with collectors of Mayurbhanj , Balasore, Bhadrak, and Kendrapada. The collectors have been instructed to use ODRAF and Fire Services in case situation arises. They have been further advised to remain in full alert and closely monitor the situation.
“We have been closely monitoring the summer cyclone Remal in the Bay of Benga for the last 4-5 days. It is likely to make landfall by midnight as per the IMD. It has already started raining since this morning in the coastal districts of Mayurbhanj, Balasore, and Bhadrak, and it is likely to get heavier… We are constant touch with collectors of these districts… About 20,000 fishing boats have come to the shore…” SRC Satyabrata Sahu told ANI.
He added that there was no reason to panic and efforts are on to minimise the damage due to the rains.
Local cautionary signal No-III (LC-III) has been hoisted at Paradip and Chandbali ports and Distant warning Signal No-II (DW-II) at Gopalpur and Puri ports.
INDIAN NAVY ON ALERT
Meanwhile, The Indian Navy has initiated preparatory actions, following existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), to mount a credible Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) response in the aftermath of Cyclone Remal.
It has readied two ships equipped with HADR and medical supplies for immediate deployment to ensure the safety and welfare of the affected populace. Additionally, Indian Naval aviation assets, including Sea King and Chetak helicopters as well as Dornier aircrafts, are on standby for rapid response.
Specialised diving teams with equipment have been stationed in Kolkata to provide prompt assistance. Further diving teams with necessary equipment are on standby in Visakhapatnam, prepared for quick deployment if needed. Two Flood Relief Teams (FRTs), along with HADR and medical supplies, are being positioned in Kolkata. In addition, two FRTs each from Visakhapatnam and Chilka are ready and on standby for deployment at short notice.
RED WARNING IN BENGAL
The IMD has issued a red warning, the highest category of warning, for several districts in West Bengal, including South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, Kolkata, Howrah, and East Midnapore. Kolkata airport will suspend flight operations for 21 hours from Sunday noon in view of cyclone Remal’s landfall. A total of 394 domestic and international flights would be cancelled during this period. Several local trains in both Sealdah and Howrah divisions that usually connect Kolkata and Howrah with the adjoining districts have also been cancelled.
People are also being evacuates from vulnerable areas. Squally wind speed reaching 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph is likely to commence over Howrah, Hoogly, Kolkata and East Medinipur districts from evening of May 26. It will increase gradually becoming gale wind speed reaching 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph over these districts during night of May 26 except East Medinipur where the wind speed may reach up to 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph during the same period, the weather agency added.