The impending Cyclone Remal, which is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm, is on pace to hit land soon, bringing torrential rain and strong gusts to Bangladesh and adjacent West Bengal. As Remal approaches the shore on the night of May 26, winds are forecast to reach 110-120 km/h, with gusts potentially reaching 135 km/h. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for exceptionally heavy rainfall in coastal regions of West Bengal and north Odisha on May 26-27, with northeast India also expecting major precipitation on May 27-28.
Cyclone Remal is expected to cause a storm surge of up to 1.5 meters when it hits land, threatening floods in low-lying coastal districts in West Bengal and Bangladesh. Fishermen are advised not to enter the north Bay of Bengal until the morning of May 27, as a cyclone alert is in effect for the area. Furthermore, a red alert has been issued for the coastal districts of South and North 24 Parganas in West Bengal on May 26 and 27, suggesting the possibility of extremely heavy rain in specific places.
On May 26 and 27, the IMD issued an orange alert for Kolkata, Howrah, Nadia, and Purba Medinipur districts, warning of high winds of 80 to 90 kmph, with gusts up to 100 kmph, and heavy to very heavy rains in isolated areas. Heavy rain is expected in north Odisha’s coastal districts of Balasore, Bhadrak, and Kendrapara on May 26-27, while Mayurbhanj may receive major precipitation on May 27. Coastal residents are advised to prepare for inclement weather and stay indoors until May 27. On May 26 and 27, the IMD has issued a warning about possible localized floods as well as damage to power lines, crops, and orchard.
