Latest Updates
Cyclone Remal Wreaks Havoc in West Bengal: 2 Dead, Severe Flooding in Kolkata, Extensive Damage Reported
.webp)
At least two people were killed as Cyclone Remal wreaked havoc in West Bengal after making landfall between the state's coast and Bangladesh on Sunday night. Among the deceased was 51-year-old Mohammad Sajib, who died when a cement tile fell on his head in Kolkata's Bibir Bagan area. Another individual was injured by debris in the Gosaba area of the Sundarbans.
The cyclone with wind speeds up to 135 kmph, left a trail of widespread destruction, uprooting trees, twisting electric poles, and blowing away the roofs of thatched houses in the North and South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore districts. Low-lying areas in and near Kolkata have been flooded.
Flight operations, suspended since Sunday noon, have resumed at Kolkata airport. The India Meteorological Department said on Monday that Cyclone Remal has weakened into a "cyclonic storm" and is expected to weaken further throughout the day.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting on Sunday evening to review the response and preparedness for Cyclone Remal. He was informed that the National Crisis Management Committee was in regular contact with the Bengal state government to coordinate efforts.
Taking to social media platform “X”, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged the people to “stay home and stay safe.” “Stay home and stay safe. We are there for you, today and always. This storm shall pass too,” posted Banerjee. In addition the West Bengal and Kolkata Police had issued helpline numbers to help those in need.
When the severe cyclonic storm made landfall, it brought torrential rains and strong winds that uprooted numerous trees, damaged electricity poles, and caused extensive property damage and road blockages on Sunday night. Kolkata faced significant waterlogging, with 144 mm of rain flooding the city. Municipal authorities and disaster management teams are actively clearing debris, removing fallen trees, and working to restore normalcy. The complete extent of the damage is still being evaluated.
Train services were cancelled in many areas, causing difficulties for commuters. Flight operations at Kolkata airport, suspended since Sunday noon, resumed around 9 am on Monday, though delays and cancellations are expected. Metro services were also disrupted, with waterlogged tracks causing truncated services between Dakshineswar and Girish Park, and Kavi Subhash and Mahanayak Uttam Kumar stations. Train movement on the Sealdah South Branch was suspended.
A red alert has been issued in Murshidabad and Nadia districts, expected to receive 7 to 20 cm of rain on Monday. Eight districts, including Kolkata, are likely to experience thundershowers and gusty winds of 50 to 60 kmph. Continuous rain is expected in Kolkata, with storm speeds possibly reaching 60 to 70 kmph and gusts up to 80 kmph. Heavy rain is also forecasted for Howrah, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, East Burdwan, West Burdwan, and Birbhum, with wind gusts up to 60 kmph.
The India Meteorological Department stated that Cyclone Remal, now over coastal Bangladesh and West Bengal, has moved northwards at 15 kmph and weakened into a cyclonic storm. It is currently centered about 150 km northeast of Sagar Islands (West Bengal) and 110 km northwest of Khepupara (Bangladesh). The system is expected to move north-northeastwards, then northeastwards, and gradually weaken further. Gale winds of 80-90 kmph, gusting to 100 kmph, are affecting the region but are likely to decrease to squally winds of 50-60 kmph by Monday noon.
