Severe Cyclonic Storm Remal Makes Landfall, Hits Rail, Road, Air Traffic

Kolkata: Severe cyclonic storm 'Remal' made its landfall on Sunday evening between the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh with an intensity of 110 to 120 kmph, gusting to 135 kmph, as reported by the Met office. The landfall process began around 8:30 pm, with the center of the cyclone approximately 30 km away from the coastline. This process is expected to continue for about four hours.

Gale wind speeds reaching 110 to 120 kmph, gusting to 135 kmph, was observed along and off the West Bengal and Bangladesh coasts and the north Bay of Bengal. These conditions are likely to persist for the next six hours and then gradually decrease, according to the Met department.

The landfall of Cyclone Remal resulted in significant disruptions in air, rail, and road transportation in Kolkata and other parts of South Bengal on Sunday, with concerns expected to extend into Monday.

In the 24 hours leading up to 5.30 pm on Sunday, South Bengal districts experienced light to moderate rainfall as Remal approached the adjoining coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh.

The terminal building of Kolkata airport appeared deserted as flight operations were suspended for 21 hours starting from Sunday noon, as per the decision of airport authorities. Disruptions in road and rail transport are anticipated on Monday due to the aftermath of the cyclone's landfall.

A total of 394 flights, including both international and domestic routes, will not operate during the flight suspension period, confirmed an official from the Airports Authority of India (AAI), following a meeting with stakeholders of the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued advisories to the public, urging them to remain vigilant and take precautions against the intensifying weather conditions. She highlighted the potential for power outages and advised against using electrical appliances during the storm, emphasizing the state's preparations with generators for essential services.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a meeting on Sunday evening to assess the readiness of various agencies for rescue and relief efforts as Cyclone Remal approached the West Bengal coast, expected to make landfall around midnight.

In response to the cyclone, the Indian Navy initiated preparatory actions for a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) response. Naval Headquarters, along with the Eastern Naval Command, are closely monitoring the situation and undertaking comprehensive preparatory actions.

The Indian Navy has mobilised two ships equipped with HADR and medical supplies for immediate deployment. Additionally, Indian Naval aviation assets and specialised diving teams with necessary equipment have been stationed in strategic locations for prompt assistance.

"The Indian Navy remains vigilant and is closely monitoring the evolving situation to provide immediate and effective assistance in the wake of Cyclone Remal," stated the Indian Navy in a released statement.