Cyclone Remal Approaches: Severe Weather Disrupts Kolkata and Surrounding Areas
Cyclone Remal, intensifying as it nears the coast, is expected to make landfall between 11 PM and 1 AM, bringing wind speeds of up to 135 km/h. The storm’s impact is already being felt across Kolkata and nearby districts. In Tollygunge, strong winds damaged the Kolkata Metro shed, leading to a suspension of service between Kavi Subhash and Tollygunge stations. Both train and flight services have faced significant disruptions.
Meteorologists have predicted that the very severe cyclonic storm will hit near Mongla in Bangladesh, between Sagardwip and Khepupara, around midnight on Sunday. Somnath Dutta, the Eastern Director of the Alipore Meteorological Department, provided an update, stating, “The very severe cyclonic storm will move northwards and gain more strength. Tonight, it will cross between Sagardwip and Khepupara near Mongla in Bangladesh with wind speeds around 110-120 km/h, with a maximum possible speed of 135 km/h.”
In anticipation of the storm, Presidency University has postponed some scheduled examinations. The undergraduate and postgraduate second semester exams have been rescheduled to June 18, ensuring the safety of students and staff during this severe weather event.
The cyclone has also caused significant disruptions to train services. From 11 PM on Sunday to 6 AM on Monday, 53 local and several long-distance trains have been canceled. This includes multiple trains on the Barasat-Hasnabad route, as well as local services on the Sealdah-Canning and Budge Budge sections. Additionally, trains on the Sealdah-Diamond Harbour, Lakhmikantapur-Namkhana sections, and Sealdah-Lakhmikantapur route will be canceled on Monday. Services on the Sealdah-Sonarpur and Baruipur sections will also be affected. Furthermore, nine long-distance trains from Howrah and nine local trains on the Bandel section have been canceled, along with two local trains between Howrah and Singur.
Flight services at Kolkata Airport are suspended from noon on Sunday for 21 hours, until 9 AM on Monday, impacting 340 domestic and 54 international flights and around 50,000 passengers. The Kolkata Airport authorities have implemented precautionary measures to minimize potential damage from the cyclone. The usually bustling airport now appears deserted as operations halt to ensure safety.
The control room of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation is actively monitoring the situation as Cyclone Remal advances. Officials have confirmed that the disaster management team is fully prepared to handle any emergencies. Besides the Metro shed damage, another incident occurred in the Nagerbazar area, where a tree was uprooted due to the strong winds. Municipal workers promptly cleared the debris to prevent any further disruption.
Cyclone Remal’s approach has led to significant precautionary measures and disruptions across Kolkata and the surrounding areas. Authorities are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. The control room of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation remains vigilant, with disaster management teams ready to respond as the storm progresses.
Educational institutions like Presidency University have taken proactive steps to reschedule exams, prioritizing the safety of students and staff. The widespread cancellation of train services highlights the anticipated severity of the storm, with authorities taking no chances in safeguarding public transportation systems. Similarly, the suspension of flight services at Kolkata Airport reflects a commitment to passenger safety, with extensive preparations underway to mitigate the storm’s impact.
Residents of Kolkata and nearby districts are urged to stay indoors and adhere to safety advisories issued by local authorities. The collaborative efforts of meteorologists, municipal officials, and disaster management teams aim to minimize the cyclone’s impact and ensure a swift recovery post-landfall.
As Cyclone Remal nears landfall, its effects are already being felt across the region. The coming hours will be critical as authorities and residents brace for the storm’s full impact. The focus remains on safety and preparedness, with all necessary measures being taken to protect lives and property.
This period of severe weather serves as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the collective efforts required to navigate such natural challenges. With comprehensive monitoring and timely action, the goal is to minimize the cyclone’s adverse effects and facilitate a quick return to normalcy for all affected areas.