According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Remal has strengthened into a “severe cyclonic storm” and is expected to make landfall between Bangladesh and the nearby West Bengal area around midnight on Sunday.
The CS “Remal” is currently positioned over the North BoB, approximately 290 km south-southeast of Sagar Islands (WB), 300 km south-southwest of Khepupara (Bangladesh), and 320 km south-southeast of Canning (WB). It is expected to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm within the next six hours and make landfall between Bangladesh and the adjacent WB coasts around midnight on the 26th as an SCS, according to the IMD’s post on X on Sunday morning.
Also Read|”Where Will It Land? Cyclone Remal’s Path Remains Unpredictable, Say Weather Agencies”
“How Cyclone ‘Remal’ Got Its Name”
The cyclone has been christened ‘Remal’ in accordance with the established naming protocol for cyclones in the Indian Ocean region.
This standardized naming system applies to tropical cyclones occurring in the North Indian Ocean, which includes both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
As a member of the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres (RSMCs), the IMD works alongside 12 other regional nations to assign names to tropical cyclones.
What is the Meaning of ‘Remal’?
The term ‘Remal,’ suggested by Oman, carries importance since it means ‘sand’ in Arabic.
Alerts have been announced.
The IMD forecasts that the cyclone will cause substantial rain and powerful winds in West Bengal, coastal Bangladesh, Tripura, and other northeastern regions.
Initially forming as a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal on May 22, it has evolved into a depression, currently located in the northern part of the Bay of Bengal.
The regions most impacted are West Bengal, Coastal Bangladesh, Tripura, and various northeastern states. Starting from May 26, people in these areas, as well as in the neighboring state of Tripura, should brace for severe weather conditions.
In the meantime, the Kolkata Airport Authority declared on Saturday that flight operations will be halted for 21 hours due to Cyclone Remal’s landfall.
“Given the effects of Cyclone Remal on West Bengal’s coastal areas, including Kolkata, a meeting with stakeholders resulted in the decision to halt flight operations from 12:00 PM IST on May 26 to 9:00 AM IST on May 27, due to anticipated strong winds and significant rainfall,” stated the Kolkata Airport Authority.
