Cyclone Remal to hit Bengal coast tonight; flights suspended in Kolkata

he India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a dire warning as Cyclone Remal, a severe cyclonic storm, is set to make landfall between the West Bengal and Bangladesh coasts at midnight tonight. In anticipation, flights at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport have been suspended.

The low-pressure system that developed over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into Cyclone Remal, with the storm currently moving northwards at a speed of six kilometers per hour. As of this morning, the cyclone was centered approximately 270 km south-southeast of Sagar Islands and 390 km south-southeast of Digha in West Bengal.

Cyclone Remal: Key Updates
Intensity and Speed: Remal, which means 'sand' in Arabic—a name given by Oman—is the first pre-monsoon cyclone in the Bay of Bengal this season. It has strengthened into a severe cyclonic storm, with wind speeds of 110-120 km/h, gusting up to 135 km/h.

Landfall timing: The cyclone is expected to make landfall between Sagar Island in West Bengal and Khepupara in Bangladesh at midnight on Sunday.

Storm surge: The IMD has warned of a storm surge up to 1.5 meters, which could inundate low-lying areas along the coastal regions of West Bengal and Bangladesh.

Rainfall predictions: Extremely heavy rainfall is forecasted for the coastal districts of West Bengal and northern Odisha on May 26 and 27. The northeastern regions of India may also experience heavy rainfall on May 27 and 28 due to the cyclone's impact.

Alerts issued:

Red alert: Coastal districts of North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas in West Bengal are on high alert due to the anticipated extremely heavy rainfall.
Orange alert: Kolkata, Howrah, Nadia, and Purba Medinipur districts are under an orange alert. Winds are expected to reach speeds of 80-90 km/h, gusting to 100 km/h, with heavy to very heavy rainfall predicted on May 26 and 27.
Precautionary measures
Authorities have urged residents in the affected areas to remain indoors and take necessary precautions. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, and those at sea have been instructed to return to shore immediately. Disaster management teams have been deployed to the coastal districts, and emergency shelters are being prepared to accommodate evacuees.

Flight disruptions
In response to the impending storm, all flights at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport have been suspended as a safety measure. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updates on flight schedules and to make alternative travel arrangements if necessary.