Cyclone Remal Hits West Bengal and Bangladesh, Bringing Heavy Rains and High Winds
Cyclone Remal a severe cyclonic storm, has struck the coasts of West Bengal, India, and neighboring Bangladesh. It made landfall on May 26, 2024, bringing heavy rains, strong winds, and significant disruption.
Impact on West Bengal and Bangladesh
Cyclone Remal developed over the Bay of Bengal and intensified into a severe cyclonic storm before hitting the coasts. In West Bengal, districts such as Kolkata, Howrah, Nadia, Jhargram, North and South 24 Parganas coastal regions, and Purba Medinipur were put on high alert. These areas experienced light to moderate rainfall, with some locations receiving heavy downpours and strong winds reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h (India Today) (mint).
In Bangladesh, the coastal districts were similarly affected. The country’s Meteorological Department had issued warnings and taken precautionary measures to mitigate the storm’s impact. The storm’s landfall brought about heavy rain and high winds, causing disruptions in daily life and posing significant risks to life and property (Zee News) (সময় নিউজ | সময়ের প্রয়োজনে সময়).
Preparedness and Response
Both India and Bangladesh took extensive measures to prepare for Cyclone Remal. In West Bengal, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued warnings and advisories well in advance. Fishermen were advised not to venture into the Bay of Bengal, and those at sea were urged to return to the coast by May 24 to avoid the worst storm (India Today) (mint).
The Election Commission of India also coordinated with local authorities to ensure that the ongoing Lok Sabha elections were not severely impacted. Precautionary measures were implemented at polling stations in the affected areas to ensure the safety of voters and election personnel (India Today).
Similar steps were taken in Bangladesh to ensure public safety. The government and disaster management agencies worked together to evacuate vulnerable populations from low-lying coastal areas and provide them shelter and necessary supplies. The authorities also focused on disseminating information to the public to keep them informed about the storm’s progress and safety measures (সময় নিউজ | সময়ের প্রয়োজনে সময়).
Aftermath and Continuing Effects
As Cyclone Remal made its way inland, its intensity gradually decreased. However, the storm left behind a trail of damage. In both West Bengal and Bangladesh, the immediate aftermath included downed trees, power outages, and disrupted transportation networks. Recovery efforts were quickly initiated to restore normalcy and provide relief to affected communities (Zee News).
The IMD and Bangladesh’s Meteorological Department continued to monitor the situation closely, providing updates and forecasts to help manage the post-cyclone challenges. Both countries have emphasized the importance of community preparedness and resilience in the face of such natural disasters.
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