Severe Cyclonic Storm “Remal” Threatens Bengal Coastal Regions – Very heavy rainfall on the 26th and 27th of May

The India Meteorological Department has issued a red message warning for the coastal areas of West Bengal as the severe cyclonic storm “Remal” intensifies over the North Bay of Bengal. The storm, moving northwards at a speed of 07 kmph, is expected to make landfall by midnight of May 26th, 2024, with wind speeds ranging from 110-120 kmph and gusts up to 135 kmph.

Forecast and Warning

Cyclonic Storm: Heavy Rainfall Expected

• West Bengal: Coastal and adjacent districts are expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall on the 26th and 27th of May, with isolated areas facing extremely heavy downpours. The most intense rainfall is predicted from the afternoon of the 26th to the afternoon of the 27th.
• Odisha: North Coastal Odisha is likely to receive light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy showers on the 26th of May.
• Northeastern States: A widespread rainfall ranging from light to moderate is anticipated, with heavy to very heavy showers in isolated regions across Mizoram, Tripura, and South Manipur on the 26th, extending to Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, and Tripura on the 27th and 28th. Exceptionally heavy rainfall is also forecasted for Assam, Meghalaya on the 27th and 28th, Arunachal Pradesh on the 28th, and Mizoram & Tripura on the 27th.

Cyclonic Storm: Wind Warning

• Central Bay of Bengal: Gale winds up to 100 kmph decreasing to squally winds of 70 kmph by the morning of May 27th.
• North Bay of Bengal: Gale winds intensifying to 135 kmph, then decreasing to 90 kmph by the morning of May 27th, and further to 65 kmph by the evening.
• Bangladesh and West Bengal Coasts: Winds increasing to gale force of 135 kmph, then decreasing to 70 kmph by the night of May 27th.
• North Odisha Coasts: Squally winds up to 70 kmph until the morning of May 27th.
• Northeastern States: Squally winds up to 70 kmph in Mizoram, Tripura, and south Manipur on May 26th and 27th; and up to 60 kmph in South Assam and Meghalaya on May 27th.

Cyclonic Storm: Storm Surge Warning

Storm surge of about 1 meter height 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.

Cyclonic Storm: Sea Condition Warning

• Central Bay of Bengal: Expect very rough to high sea conditions on May 26th, escalating to high to very high levels until the morning of May 27th.
• North Bay of Bengal: High to very high sea conditions will persist until the morning of May 27th.
• Bangladesh and West Bengal Coasts: Currently experiencing very rough seas, with conditions projected to intensify to high to very high from the morning of May 26th until the morning of May 27th.
• North Odisha Coast: Very rough sea conditions are anticipated to continue until the morning of May 27th.

Mariners and coastal residents are advised to exercise caution and stay informed on the latest weather updates. The forecast indicates significant sea disturbances, urging fisherfolk and shipping vessels to avoid these regions during the stated periods.

Urgent Safety Measures for West Bengal

Authorities have issued critical safety directives for the districts of South & North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hoogly, Kolkata, and East Medinipur in West Bengal:

• Fishing Operations: There is a total suspension of fishing activities. Fishermen are strongly advised against venturing into the central Bay of Bengal until May 26th and the North Bay of Bengal until May 27th. Those at sea should return to the coast immediately.
• Transport & Shipping: Surface transport and shipping operations are to be strictly regulated to ensure safety.
• Onshore & Offshore Activities: All operations must adhere to safety guidelines, minimizing risks during the storm.
• Evacuation: Residents in coastal hutments are urged to relocate to safer places to avoid the storm’s impact.
• Stay Indoors: People in the affected areas should remain indoors to protect themselves from the severe weather conditions.
• Water Logging Areas: It’s recommended to avoid areas prone to waterlogging, which could pose significant risks during heavy rainfall.
• Vulnerable Structures: Staying in structures that are susceptible to damage should be avoided to prevent accidents or injuries.

These measures are in place to protect lives and property as the region prepares for the cyclone’s landfall. It’s imperative for residents to follow these guidelines and stay updated on the latest advisories from local authorities.

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