A cyclonic storm named “Remal” brewing in the central Bay of Bengal is predicted to escalate into a severe cyclonic storm by May 25, according to the latest updates from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
The IMD forecasts that by the midnight of May 26, the cyclone is very likely to cross the coasts of Bangladesh and West Bengal, specifically between Sagar Island and Khepupara, as a severe cyclonic storm.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has issued a statement on May 24, indicating that the cyclone is anticipated to make landfall near the North/North-West Bay of Bengal, close to the West Bengal Coast, on the night of May 26. Preemptive measures are being actively undertaken to ensure minimal loss of life and property at sea.
@IndiaCoastGuard is closely monitoring Cyclonic Storm #Remal formed over the #BayofBengal, expected to intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm by 25 May. With assets deployed along the East Coast, including 10 Ships and 2 Aircraft, #ICG is monitoring and advising vessels on… pic.twitter.com/GmJyLs8rEo
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) May 24, 2024
As per IMD’s reports, the low-pressure area in the west-central and adjoining south Bay of Bengal has concentrated into a depression. By May 25 morning, it is expected to transform into a cyclonic storm over the east-central Bay of Bengal, further intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm by the night of May 25.
Efforts for coordination are underway with state administrations and stakeholders to facilitate a synchronized response to potential contingencies arising from the cyclonic storm. The ICG has disseminated pertinent information to stakeholders to ensure preparedness and coordinated action.
In addition, measures such as broadcasting multilingual VHF alerts, conducting surveillance along the projected path, and positioning disaster relief teams at strategic locations have been initiated.
The ICG has alerted merchant vessels at anchorages and advised respective port authorities to take appropriate actions. Despite the fishing ban in force, the fisheries department has been cautioned to inform country boats about the developing situation.
Furthermore, Bangladesh Coast Guard has been notified to undertake necessary preparations and disseminate alerts to fishermen and merchant vessels.
ALSO READ: ” Cyclone ‘Remal’ Expected to Form Over Bay of Bengal, IMD Warns”
In a study conducted by the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW), it was found that West Bengal has a high adaptive capacity against cyclones due to the cyclone multi-hazard Early Warning Systems (EWS) provided under the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) Phase II. The state’s high teledensity ratio enables people to access early warnings via telephone or mobile.
Vishwas Chitale, senior program lead at CEEW, highlighted that despite the high exposure of districts on the eastern coast of Bharat to cyclones, initiatives like NCRMP have strengthened the adaptive capacity of local stakeholders.
Research indicates that 100% of the population exposed to cyclones now has access to EWS. Chitale emphasized the need for developing frameworks to climate-proof critical infrastructure to build on the success of reducing cyclone-related fatalities.
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