A severe cyclonic storm named Remal, which developed from a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to make landfall between West Bengal and Bangladesh coasts around midnight on Sunday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Remal, meaning sand in Arabic, is the first pre-monsoon cyclone in the Bay of Bengal this year. The name was provided by Oman, following the regional naming protocol for cyclones in the north Indian Ocean.

Key Updates on Cyclone Remal

1. Current Status and Movement: As of early Sunday, Remal has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, moving northwards at a speed of 6 km per hour. It is currently centered approximately 290 km south-southwest of Khepupara (Bangladesh), 330 km south of Mongla (Bangladesh), 270 km south-southeast of Sagar Islands (West Bengal), 390 km south-southeast of Digha (West Bengal), and 310 km south-southeast of Canning (West Bengal).

2. Landfall Predictions: The IMD predicts that Remal will make landfall between Sagar Island and Khepupara around midnight on Sunday, with wind speeds reaching 110-120 km per hour, and gusts up to 135 kmph. A storm surge of up to 1.5 meters could inundate low-lying coastal areas in West Bengal and Bangladesh.

3. Weather Warnings: The coastal districts of North and South 24 Parganas in West Bengal are under a red alert for May 26 and 27, with forecasts of extremely heavy rainfall. An orange alert has been issued for Kolkata, Howrah, Nadia, and Purba Medinipur, predicting wind speeds of 80-90 kmph, gusting to 100 kmph, along with heavy rainfall.

4. Preparedness Measures: The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 12 teams in West Bengal, with an additional five teams on standby. Rescue and relief teams from the Indian Army and Navy are also ready. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has positioned nine disaster relief teams at strategic locations in West Bengal and Odisha.

5. Infrastructure Impact: The IMD warns of potential localized flooding and significant damage to structures, power lines, communication networks, unpaved roads, crops, and orchards, particularly in South and North 24 Parganas. Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid coastal areas.

6. Odisha's Situation: In Odisha, the coastal districts of Balasore, Bhadrak, and Kendrapara are expected to receive heavy rainfall on May 26-27, while Mayurbhanj may experience heavy rainfall on May 27.

7. Fishermen Advisory: Fishermen are warned to avoid venturing into the north Bay of Bengal until the morning of May 27. The ICG has been issuing alerts to fishing vessels and merchant ships via VHF broadcasts regarding the cyclone.

8. Suspension of Services: Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport will suspend flight operations for 21 hours starting noon on Sunday. All cargo and container handling at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port will be halted from 6 pm on Sunday to 6 am on Monday.

As Cyclone Remal approaches, authorities are taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of residents and mitigate potential damage.