The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Agartala has issued a severe cyclone warning for the northeastern region of India and coastal areas of Bangladesh. Cyclone Remal is expected to make landfall in Bengal on Sunday.
It is predicted that the cyclone will make landfall in Bangladesh’s coastal districts and West Bengal at midnight on May 26. Strong gusts and exceptionally heavy rainfall are expected with the cyclone.
First noticed in the Bay of Bengal on May 22, a low-pressure region has grown into a more depressive system that is currently situated in the middle Bay of Bengal. According to IMD, by the morning of May 25, this system will have strengthened into a cyclone and is headed towards northeastern India.
The primary regions affected are West Bengal, Coastal Bangladesh, Tripura and some other parts of north-eastern states. Residents in these areas, as well as in the neighbouring state of Tripura, are urged to brace for adverse weather conditions starting from May 26.
The Tripura regions are expected to be lashed with severe rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lighting with speeds ranging from 40-50 mph and with gusts reaching up to 70 mph at peak times.
For May 26, IMD has issued adverse weather conditions with severe rainfall predicted for Tripura with thunderstorms, lightning and wind speeds between 40-50 kph. The weather will remain severe with continued heavy to very heavy rainfall across Tripura for the next two days after May 26.
Speaking with ANI, Partha Roy, the Director of IMD Agartala, said, “We have a cyclone prediction. It’s on the 26th, 27th & 28th May. It has been given by IMD Agartala. The low-pressure area that was observed on 22 May in the Bay of Bengal has now intensified and is more depressive.
“It will further intensify which we have predicted and will turn into a cyclone and will move towards northeastern India on the 25th Morning. The landfall area of the cyclone is the West Bengal and coastal region of Bangladesh and the landfall time is on 26th Midnight,” he added.
Beginning on May 26, there will be unfavourable weather, resulting in heavy rain in several Tripura districts. There will be rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and possible wind speeds of 40 to 50 mph. The weather is expected to worsen on the 27th, with heavy to severe rainfall expected in several areas of Tripura. IMD has issued a warning mostly for squally wind. The wind is predicted to gust between 60 and 70 mph, with a peak speed of 70 mph. The worst weather conditions, including thunderstorms and lightning, will persist on May 28 but the wind speed will drop.
The safety advisory issued by IMD has issued a stern warning to residents in the affected areas. People are advised to stay indoors and remain inside their homes during the warning period, refrain from going outside unless necessary and safeguard outdoor items and reinforce structures to withstand high winds.
The severe weather is expected to have a significant impact on low-lying areas, including potential damage to crops and infrastructure. Flooding and disruptions to daily life are likely, and residents are advised to prepare for prolonged periods of adverse weather.
IMD continues to monitor the cyclone’s progression and will provide updates as necessary. The current warning is in effect until May 28, but it may be extended if the situation requires.
The IMD’s alert serves as a critical reminder of the power and unpredictability of natural weather events. Preparedness and adherence to safety advisories are essential to minimize the impact of this impending cyclone on communities in northeastern India and coastal Bangladesh.
