'Severe Cyclonic Storm' Remal Makes Landfall In Bengal With 135 kmph, Leaves Trail Of Destruction

Cyclone Remal LIVE Updates: Cyclone Remal has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm on Sunday morning and made landfall between Bangladesh's Khepupara and Bengal's Sagar Islands around Sunday midnight with windspeed reaching up to 135 kmph, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. The landfall process began at 8:30 pm, uprooting trees and electric poles. Several areas in Kolkata have reported waterlogging with reports of powercuts across the state. Cyclone Remal fell in the ‘severe cyclonic storm’ category. Cyclonic storms with windspeeds of 89 kmph to 119 kmph comes under the ‘severe cyclonic storm’ category while those with windspeeds above 220 kmph falls under ‘super cyclonic storm’ category.

The cyclonic formation has brought heavy rainfall to the coastal districts of West Bengal. Parts of Bengal, including Kolkata, will receive heavy rainfall throughout Monday, IMD stated. According to Met predictions, the Northeast region will also be receiving heavy to very heavy rain on Monday and Tuesday.

The cyclone alert in Bengal has revived bitter memories of Amphan during the 2020 lockdown that left the whole state devastated. At least one death has been reported from Kolkata where a middle-aged man died in a bid to save a young boy stranded outside.

Governor CV Bose Visits Cyclone Sites With Raj Bhavan Taskforce

"Raj Bhavan task force has just returned from the field visit. We are all greatly relieved that no reported casualty is there. Remal cyclone is weakening and the people of Bengal have been able to brave it with fortitude and courage. We are watching in case there is any need for any help. Raj Bhavan task force is ready... I thank the entire people of West Bengal for the solidarity which they have expressed."

Huts Blown Away, Waterlogging Reported In Several Parts Of Kolkata

'Remal' left a trail of destruction in its wake. Roofs of thatched huts were blown away, trees uprooted and electric poles knocked down, causing significant disruption in various parts of the state, including Kolkata. Waterlogging has been reported in several areas, compounding the misery of the affected residents.

Trees Uprooted And Electric Poles Knocked Down In Several Parts Of Kolkata

'Remal' left a trail of destruction in its wake. Roofs of thatched huts were blown away, trees uprooted and electric poles knocked down, causing significant disruption in various parts of the state, including Kolkata.

Tree Uprooted in Heavy Rain; NDRF Team Clears Road 

The NDRF team cleared the road after a tree was uprooted near Sagar bypass road amid heavy rain and gusty winds in Sagar Island.

Cyclone Remal Warning Until May 28

The current warning for Cyclone Remal is in effect until May 28, said IMD, adding that it may be extended if necessary.

Red Alert in 7 Assam Districts

A Red Alert has been issued for extremely heavy rainfall in seven districts of Assam, and an Orange Alert in 11 districts. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has alerted residents and authorities, emphasising safety measures as the cyclone, after hitting West Bengal and Bangladesh on May 26, is predicted to move towards the Northeast. The India Meteorological Department has warned of extensive rainfall over Assam and other northeastern states on May 27 and 28. A Red Alert has been issued for Chirang, Goalpara, Baksa, Dima Hasao, Cachar, Hailakandi, and Karimganj districts, while an 'orange alert' is in place for Dhubri, South Salmara, Bongaigaon, Bajali, Tamulpur, Barpeta, Nalbari, Morigaon, Nagaon, Hojai, and West Karbi Anglong. Squally winds of 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph are expected over South Assam and Meghalaya on May 27. (With inputs from PTI.)

CM Mamata Banerjee on Cyclone Remal

“Stay home and stay safe. We are there for you, today and always. This storm shall pass too,” tweeted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee about Cyclone Remal.

Bengal Governor to Remain Awake to Monitor Cyclone Remal Situation: Official

With severe cyclone 'Remal' set to make landfall in West Bengal around Sunday midnight, Governor Dr CV Ananda Bose has decided to stay awake throughout the night to monitor the situation from Raj Bhavan, an official statement said. (PTI)

Bengal Governor Opens Raj Bhavan Doors to Public For Safety

Governor Dr CV Ananda Bose has announced the opening of his official residence Raj Bhavan's doors to the public, should they require safe accommodation amidst the Cyclone Remal, or any other form of assistance, said an official.

Cyclone Remal Hits Bangladesh Coast

Cyclone Remal has hit the Bangladesh coast. Authorities evacuated over 8 lakh people on the coastline today ahead of the cyclonic storm.

Landfall Process of Cyclone Remal Begins

Landfall process of severe cyclonic storm 'Remal' begins over coastal areas of West Bengal and Bangladesh: IMD.

WB Guv Bose Chairs Emergency Review Meeting for Cyclone Remal

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose chaired an emergency review meeting today on Cyclone Remal, said the Raj Bhavan Kolkata on its official page on X.

Over 1 Lakh People Shifted in Bengal's Coastal Areas

More than a lakh people in Bengal's coastal areas were shifted in preparation for Cyclone Remal that will hit the Bay of Bengal at midnight on May 27. At least 16 teams of the state disaster management and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been posted in the coastal areas for relief and rescue operations.

PM Modi Holds Meeting For Cyclone Remal Disaster Management

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting today to review the response and preparedness for Cyclone Remal that will make landfall at midnight between Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts, as per IMD.

Odisha: Four Districts to Get Heavy Rainfall

The Met department has issued heavy rainfall warning for four districts of Odisha in the wake of Cyclone Remal approaching the coast. Heavy rainfall of 7 to 11 cm has been predicted for Bhadrak, Balasore, Kendrapara and Mayurbhanj districts.

Air, Rail, Road Traffic Hit in Bengal Ahead of Cyclone Remal’s Landfall

The impending landfall of severe cyclonic storm Remal has led to major disruptions in air, rail, and road transportation in Kolkata and other parts of South Bengal on Sunday, with concerns expected to continue into Monday.

Odisha: Fishermen Advised to Avoid Sea Ahead of Cyclone Remal

On Cyclone Remal, IMD Bhubaneswar Director Manorama Mohanty said, "... Today morning at 5:30 hours IST, a severe cyclonic storm Remal has formed over the north Bay of Bengal. It is likely to move northwestward with a speed of 7 km/hr. It will intensify further and move nearly northward and cross Bangladesh and the adjoining West Bengal coast between Sagar Island and Khepupara…There is not much impact on Odisha. But in coastal Odisha, we are likely to get light to moderate rain at many places with isolated heavy rainfall activity... The fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea till 27th May."

Tripura Issues Red Alert in 4 Districts

The Tripura government has issued a red alert for Cyclone Remal in four districts - South, Dhalai, Khowai, and West. On Sunday, the chief secretary held a meeting of the state disaster management team to review the preparedness for Cyclone Remal.

Wind Speed Expected To Touch 130 kmph In These Places. Find Out

All districts in South Bengal, including Hooghly, Howrah, Kolkata, East Medinipur, North and South 24 Parganas, are most likely to receive more than 20 centimeter of rainfall. According to IMD Kolkata in Alipore, wind speed can reach anywhere between 70 kmph and 80 kmph in Kolkata while both North and South 24 Parganas can experience wind speed of 110 kmph to 120 kmph. The speed can pick up to 130 kmph as well, IMD Kolkata predicted.

Several Trains Cancelled: Check List

As a precaution, the Eastern Railway has suspended train services in the Sealdah South and Barasat-Hasnabad sections from 11 pm on Sunday to 6 am on Monday, resulting in the cancellation of several local trains.

The South Eastern Railway has also cancelled the Kandari Express on Sunday and some services to and from Digha on Sunday and Monday.

In northern Odisha, Balasore, Bhadrak, and Kendrapara districts are expected to receive heavy rain on May 26-27, with heavy rain in Mayurbhanj on May 27.

North Bengal districts Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri are likely to receive extremely heavy rain on May 28-29, with Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Uttar, and Dakshin Dinajpur districts also expecting heavy rain.

How Bengal is Preparing For Cyclone Remal

The IMD has warned of localised flooding and major damage to vulnerable structures, power and communication lines, roads, crops, and orchards in South and North 24 Parganas districts. Residents in affected areas have been advised to stay indoors and evacuate vulnerable structures.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has taken pre-emptive measures to prevent loss of life or property at sea, with remote operating stations at Haldia and Paradip alerting fishing vessels and merchant ships.

The ICG has also prepared ships and aircraft for search and rescue missions, with disaster relief teams on standby at Haldia, Fraserganj, Paradip, and Gopalpur.

A control room has been set up at the Kolkata Police headquarters in Lalbazar to coordinate state agency efforts.

(With inputs from PTI)