Bhubaneswar: The Severe Cyclonic Storm “Remal” (pronounced as “Re-Mal”) made landfall between the coasts of Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal, hitting the area between Sagar Islands and Khepupara close to the southwest of Mongla, with wind speeds ranging from 110 to 120 kmph gusting to 135 kmph, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
Dramatic scenes unfolded as gigantic tidal waves crashed into the seawall in the coastal resort town of Digha. Reports indicated that over one lakh people were evacuated from vulnerable areas in West Bengal before the cyclone struck.
As of Monday morning, IMD reported that the Severe Cyclonic Storm “Remal” was centered over Coastal Bangladesh and adjoining Coastal West Bengal. It was situated approximately 130 km east-northeast of Sagar Islands (West Bengal), 100 km west of Khepupara (Bangladesh), 65 km east of Canning (West Bengal), and 50 km southwest of Mongla (Bangladesh).
The forecast suggests that the system is likely to move north-northeastwards and gradually weaken into a Cyclonic Storm over the next three hours. Subsequently, it is expected to continue moving northeastward and further weaken, according to IMD.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting on Sunday at his residence to review the response and preparedness for Cyclone Remal, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
