New Delhi, May 26 (Agency) Severe cyclonic storm ‘Remal’ over the North Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify further and cross the Bangladesh and West Bengal coasts by midnight today with maximum sustained wind speeds of 110-120 kmph, the India Meteorogical Department said on Sunday. “Severe cyclonic storm Remal has moved nearly northwards at a speed of 13 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centered over the same region today. Currently maximum sustained wind speed of 95-105 kmph gusting to 115 kmph prevail around the cyclone centre,” the IMD said.
“It is 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 today midnight as a Severe Cyclonic Storm with maximum sustained wind speed of 110-120 kmph gusting to 135 kmph,” the weather department added. The cyclone is expected to make landfall between West Bengal’s Sagar Island and Bangladesh’s Khepupara tonight. Under its influence, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected to occur in coastal districts of West Bengal and Odisha and Northeastern states till 28th May. Fishermen are advised not to venture into central Bay of Bengal till today and North Bay of Begal till tomorrow. Also, fishermen out sea are advised to return to the coast.
The Odisha government has alerted the district collectors of Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, and Kendrapara and asked them to deploy ODRAF and fire services in case of any emergency in view of the severe cyclonic storm. Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) office sources said under the impact of severe cyclone storm Remal, rain accompanied by wind is continuing in these districts. The district collectors are further advised to remain on full alert and monitor the situation closely. SRC Satyabrta Sahu, who took a review of the situation arising out of the cyclone, instructed the collectors of four districts likely to be affected by the cyclone to use ODRAF and Fire Services in case a situation arises. The state government has banned fishing activity until May 27. The fishermen have been advised to remain on full alert.
The Cyclonic Storm “Remal” (pronounced as “Re-Mal”) over North Bay of Bengal has already intensified into a Severe Cyclonic Storm over North Bay of Bengal, and it is 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 the southwest of Mongla (Bangladesh), by midnight today as a Severe Cyclonic Storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 110–120 kmph gusting to 135 kmph. The IMD sources said light to moderate rainfall, with isolated heavy rainfall likely over most places in Mayurbhanj, Kendrapara, Balasore, and Bhadrak districts. Official sources said already 19511 fishing boats across FH and FLCs have been safely berthed.