Cyclone Remal: Airlines suspend ops in Kolkata, thousands evacuated; 6 Indian states on alert

India'seastern state of West Bengal is bracing for a severe cyclone on Sunday (May 26), ahead of whichmajorairlines have already suspended operationsin the state. Cyclone Remalis expectedto bring heavy rainfall and powerful winds to the coastal areas of West Bengalas well asneighbouring Bangladesh, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Which statesare expectedto receive rainfall?

Six Indian statesare expectedto receive rainfall on Sunday. West Bengal will be the worst hit of all. Northeastern states like Tripura, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur will also receive rainfall and storms on May 26. North Coastal Odisha may also receive rainfall on May 25-26.

The deep depression intensified into a Cyclonic Storm "Remal" over the Northwest and adjoining Northeast & East-central Bay of Bengal at 5.30 pm on May 25. (Cyclone Warning for West Bengal Coast: Orange Message): IMD pic.twitter.com/jJJfxDMXpV — ANI (@ANI) May 25, 2024

In West Bengal, the IMD has issued an orange alert in places like Kolkata, Howrah, Nadia, and Purba Medinipur districts. The weather department hasfurtherissued warnings of wind speeds of 80 to 90 kmph, gusting to 100 kmph, and heavy tovery heavyrainfall at some places on May 26-27.

Meanwhile, a red alert hasbeen issuedfor WestBengal'scoastal districts of South and North 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur.

In northeastern states, rains might continue till May 27-28.

Airlines suspend operations

Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet announced Saturday (May 25) thatthey are suspending operations at Kolkata airport because of the IMD alert. Kolkata airport also suspended operations for 9 hours starting Sunday midnight.

Kolkata port also suspended operations for 12 hours from Sunday evening. The operations will be suspended from 6 pm on Sunday till 6 am on Monday, the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata declared.

Thousands evacuated

According to officials, thousands of people were evacuated and brought to shelters from the coastal regions of West Bengal on Saturday.

“We have already identified the low lying and vulnerable areas. Initially we plan to evacuate around 8,000-10,000 villagers from low lying areas. While some may move to the cyclone shelters by Saturday night, the rest would be brought in on Sunday,"said Sumit Gupta, district magistrate of South 24 Parganas.

What intensified Cyclone Remal?

According to the IMD, a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal intensified into Cyclone Remal.

Thisis the first cyclone in the region before the 2024 monsoon season.

(With inputs from agencies)