Kolkata: Cyclonic storm ‘Remal’ made landfall between the coasts of Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal, causing widespread devastation. With wind speeds reaching up to 135 kmph, ‘Remal’ flattened fragile dwellings, uprooted trees, and knocked down electric poles. The Sundarbans area witnessed evacuations and injuries due to the cyclone’s impact. Here are the key details:
- Landfall and Impact:
- The landfall process began at 8:30 pm on Sunday over the adjacent coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh, between Sagar Island and Khepupara, near the southwest of Mongla in Bangladesh.
- ‘Remal’ caused heavy rains, flooding homes, and farmland, and leaving a trail of destruction.
- One person was injured in the Gosaba area of the Sundarbans after being hit by debris.
- More than one lakh people were evacuated from vulnerable areas in West Bengal before the cyclone struck.
- News footage showed gigantic tidal waves crashing into a seawall in the coastal resort town of Digha.
- Streets and homes in low-lying areas adjoining Kolkata were inundated.
- Roofs of thatched houses were blown away, electric poles twisted, and trees uprooted in several areas.
- Rainfall and Wind Speeds:
- Kolkata recorded 146 mm rainfall between 8:30 am on Sunday and 5:30 am on Monday.
- The maximum wind speed recorded in Kolkata was 74 km per hour, while Dumdum on the northern outskirts experienced winds at 91 km per hour.
- Other places in south Bengal, including Haldia, Tamluk, and Nimpith, received heavy rainfall during this period.
- Meteorologists predict one or two heavy spells of rain along with strong winds till Tuesday morning in southern districts, including Kolkata, Nadia, and Murshidabad.
- Recovery Efforts:
- Emergency services are working to clear debris and restore power in the affected areas.
- The West Bengal government shifted around 1.10 lakh people from coastal and vulnerable areas to cyclone shelters, schools, and colleges.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting to review the response and preparedness for the storm, while West Bengal Governor Dr. CV Ananda Bose monitored the situation closely.
- Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged people to stay at home and assured them of her government’s support.
- Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) authorities evacuated people from high-rises and dilapidated buildings.
‘Remal’ has left a significant impact on infrastructure and property in the coastal areas of West Bengal. As efforts continue to normalize the situation, the region grapples with the aftermath of this severe cyclonic storm.
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