Cyclone Remal Live Updates: Kolkata Port to suspend operations on Sunday as severe storm approaches Bengal

IMD scientist Dr Somenath Dutta said Cyclone Remal was “highly likely” to hit Bangladesh and the adjoining West Bengal coast at midnight on May 26. It could make landfall between Sagar island in West Bengal and Khepupara in Bangladesh.

The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata will suspend all cargo and container handling operations for 12 hours from Sunday evening due to the forecast of a cyclonic storm, officials said.

Operations will be suspended from Sunday, 6 p.m., to Monday, 6 a.m., it said.

The decision was made in the interest of the safety of the dock workers, they added.

On 26th and 27th, coastal districts of West Bengal and eastern Ganga districts of West Bengal bordering Bangladesh are likely to receive light to moderate rain at most places and heavy to very heavy at a few places. On 26th May, these districts will also experience isolated extreme rain.

On 27 and 28 May, light to moderate rainfall is expected in most places in the eastern districts of sub-Himalayan West Bengal, with heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated places.

The severe weather is expected to have a significant impact on low-lying areas, including possible damage to crops and infrastructure. Flooding and disruption to daily life are likely and residents are advised to prepare for prolonged periods of severe weather.

The IMD’s safety advisory carries a stern warning to residents of the affected areas. People are advised to stay in their homes during the warning period, leave the house only if absolutely necessary, and secure outdoor items and reinforce buildings to withstand strong winds.

Speaking to ANI, Partha Roy, Director, IMD Agartala, said, “We have a cyclone forecast for May 26, 27 and 28. It has been issued by IMD Agartala. The low pressure area observed in the Bay of Bengal on May 22 has now intensified and is even more depressed.

“As predicted by us, it will further intensify, transform into a cyclone and move towards northeast India on the morning of the 25th. The landfall area of ​​the cyclone will be West Bengal and coastal Bangladesh. It will make landfall at midnight on the 26th,” he added.

On May 26, the IMD has predicted adverse weather conditions with heavy rainfall for Tripura, with thunderstorms, lightning and wind speeds ranging between 40 and 50 kmph. The weather will remain adverse, with heavy to very heavy rainfall continuing in Tripura for the next two days after May 26.

The worst affected regions are West Bengal, coastal Bangladesh, Tripura and some other parts of the northeastern states. Residents of these areas and the neighbouring state of Tripura are advised to prepare for adverse weather conditions from May 26.

Heavy rains and thunderstorms are expected in the Tripura regions, with wind speeds ranging between 40 and 50 km/h and gusts of up to 70 km/h at peak times.

Cyclone Remal is expected to make landfall in West Bengal and coastal Bangladesh around midnight on May 26. The cyclone will bring extremely heavy rains and strong winds.

A low pressure area first observed in the Bay of Bengal on May 22 has developed into a more depressed system which is now located in the middle of the Bay of Bengal. IMD forecasts that this system will further develop into a cyclone by the morning of May 25 and move towards Northeast India.

IMD Agartala has issued a severe cyclone warning for northeast India and coastal areas of Bangladesh. Cyclone Remal is expected to make landfall in Bengal on Sunday.

Cyclone Remal Live Updates: “The deep depression over east-central BoB is located over the same region about 420 km south-southeast of Sagar Islands (WB) and 420 km south of Khepupara (Bangladesh). It will intensify into a cyclone by 25th evening and will pass between Bangladesh and adjoining western coasts as SCS by 26th midnight,” the IMD said in a post on X.