India and Bangladesh are preparing for the arrival of the first cyclone of the year, named “Remal,” which is expected to make landfall with wind speeds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph) tonight, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has raised its storm danger signal to the maximum level of 10 for two ports and nine coastal districts, issuing warnings through loudspeakers.
In recent years, these South Asian countries have experienced severe storms. In 2021, Cyclone Yaas displaced over 50,000 people and caused at least one fatality.
Bangladesh has set up approximately 8,000 cyclone shelters and mobilized 78,000 volunteers, according to State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Mohibbur Rahman, who also mentioned regular communication with the regional specialized meteorological centre in India.
India has mobilized its disaster relief force in West Bengal, where flights have been suspended in Kolkata. Moderate rainfall has begun in parts of West Bengal, leading the government to cancel leave for essential service employees.
The Met department issued a severe warning for northeastern India as Cyclone Remal is expected to hit West Bengal, affecting Tripura and other northeastern states as well.
The Regional Meteorological Department of Andhra Pradesh stated, “It is very likely to continue to move nearly northwards and intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by May 26 morning over Northwest and adjoining Northeast Bay of Bengal and cross Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts between Sagar Island and Khepupara by May 26 midnight as a Severe Cyclonic Storm with a wind speed of 110-120 gusting to 135 kmph.”
Isolated, extremely heavy rainfall is expected in several districts of West Bengal, Odisha, and Tripura on May 26 and 27.
