Kolkata/Dhaka: The severe cyclonic storm ‘Remal’ has begun making landfall over the coastal areas of Bangladesh and West Bengal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The IMD reported that Cyclone Remal is expected to cross the Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts between Sagar Island and Khepupara, near southwest Mongla (Bangladesh), by midnight. The cyclone is projected to have maximum sustained wind speeds of 110-120 kmph, with gusts up to 135 kmph.
Remal marks the first pre-monsoon cyclone in the Bay of Bengal this season.
Heavy rainfall is anticipated across the region. Coastal districts of West Bengal and eastern Gangetic West Bengal adjacent to Bangladesh can expect light to moderate rainfall, with heavy to very heavy rainfall in some areas on May 26 and 27. Some regions may experience extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm. Peak rainfall activity is expected from noon on May 26 to noon on May 27.
The IMD also forecasts heavy rainfall in the eastern districts of Sub-Himalayan West Bengal on May 27 and 28. Odisha’s North Coastal region will see light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy rainfall on May 26.
The northeastern states, including Mizoram, Tripura, and South Manipur, will experience light to moderate rainfall with heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated places on May 26. Similar weather is expected over Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, and Tripura on May 27 and 28.
Wind speeds are expected to be severe in the region. Gale winds of 80-90 kmph, gusting up to 100 kmph, are likely over the central Bay of Bengal until noon, decreasing to squally winds of 50-60 kmph, gusting up to 70 kmph, by the morning of May 27. North Bay of Bengal will experience gale winds of 95-105 kmph, increasing to 100-120 kmph, gusting to 135 kmph, from noon till midnight on May 26. Winds will then decrease to 70-80 kmph, gusting to 90 kmph, by the morning of May 27, and further to 45-55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph, by the evening.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the South Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea.
Authorities are moving approximately one lakh people to safer locations. The IMD is providing regular updates and information support to Bangladesh as the cyclone progresses.
