Cyclone Remal expected to make landfall in West Bengal, IMD issues orange alert

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for rainfall in West Bengal as a severe cyclonic storm is expected to make landfall along the adjoining coasts of the eastern state and Bangladesh on Sunday (May 26).

The cyclone, which is the very first in the Bay of Bengal this pre-monsoon season, has been named Remal. It is expected to intensify by May 25.

Extremely heavy rainfall is expected to batter the coastal districts of West Bengal and north Odisha on May 26-27.

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Heavy precipitation may hit parts of northeast India on May 27-28, as per the Met Office.

The IMD said on Friday, "The depression over the central Bay of Bengal has moved towards the northeast with a speed of 20 kmph during the past three hours. It is very likely to continue to move north-eastward and intensify further into a cyclonic storm over the east-central Bay of Bengal by May 25th.

"Subsequently, it would move nearly northwards, intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by May 25 and hit the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh between Sagar Island and Khepupara at around 6 pm on May 26 with a wind speed of 110-120 kmph gusting to 130 kmph from the evening of May 26."

Coast Guard deploys 9 disaster relief teams

Initiating preparatory measures, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Friday said that it was placing nine disaster relief teams at strategic locations to make sure that there were no casualties and minimal damage to property in the area.

According to the Ministry of Defence, "9 disaster relief teams have been positioned at strategic locations including Haldia, Paradip, Gopalpur, and Frazerganj, ready to provide immediate assistance in the event of an emergency."

(With inputs from agencies)