The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that Severe Cyclonic Storm Remal over North Bay of Bengal was about 220km south-southwest of Khepupara (Bangladesh), 210km southeast of Sagar Islands at around 1:00 pm on Sunday. The sustained maximum wind speed of 95-105 kmph prevailing around the cyclone centre.

IMD also said that Cyclone Remal very likely to continue to move nearly northwards, intensify further and cross Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts between Sagar Island and Khepupara, close to southwest of Mongla (Bangladesh) by midnight of today, the 26th May 2024 as a Severe Cyclonic Storm with maximum sustained wind speed of 110-120 kmph gusting to 135 kmph.

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata has been closed off for 21 hours as heavy rain is the State. 349 flights have reportedly been affected. The airport will resume flights from 9:00 am on Monday.

“In view of Cyclone REMAL’s impact on the coastal region of West Bengal, including Kolkata, it has been decided to suspend the flight operations from 1200 IST on 26.05.2024 to 0900 IST on 27.05.2024 due to predicted heavy winds and heavy to very heavy rainfall at Kolkata,” the Airport Authority of India informed on Saturday.

Warnings of heavy rain and squally wind has been issued for coastal districts of West Bengal and eastern districts of Gangetic West Bengal adjacent to Bangladesh, Odisha and Northeastern States.

The National Disaster Response Force has deployed 12 teams and 5 additional teams are kept on standby. Rescue and relief teams of the Army, Navy and Coast Guard along with aircrafts and ships have been kept on standby.

The Indian Navy said on Sunday that it has initiated preparatory actions, following existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), to mount a credible Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) response in the aftermath of Cyclone Remal.

The situation is being closely monitored at Naval Headquarters, with comprehensive preparatory actions being undertaken by the Headquarters, Eastern Naval Command, it added.

In preparation, the Indian Navy has readied two ships equipped with HADR and medical supplies for immediate deployment to ensure the safety and welfare of the affected populace. Additionally, Indian Naval aviation assets, including Sea King and Chetak helicopters as well as Dornier aircrafts, are on standby for rapid response.

Specialised diving teams with equipment have been stationed in Kolkata to provide prompt assistance. Further diving teams with necessary equipment are on standby in Visakhapatnam, prepared for quick deployment if needed. Two Flood Relief Teams (FRTs), along with HADR and medical supplies, are being positioned in Kolkata. In addition, two FRTs each from Visakhapatnam and Chilka are ready and on standby for deployment at short notice.

The Indian Navy also stated that it remains vigilant and is closely monitoring the evolving situation to provide immediate and effective assistance in the wake of Cyclone Remal.