New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced today that the “Deep Depression” over the East-central Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm by this evening. Cyclone Remal is expected to cross between the Bangladesh and West Bengal coasts around midnight tomorrow, potentially becoming a severe cyclonic storm. In anticipation, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in West Bengal, with isolated heavy rainfall possible in coastal areas of North Odisha. An extreme rainfall warning has also been issued for some northeastern states.
Yesterday, the National Crisis Management Committee, chaired by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, reviewed the preparedness for the impending cyclone. The Chief Secretary of West Bengal informed the committee about the measures being taken to protect the population in the cyclone’s expected path, including actions by the local administration. Fishermen have been advised to stay out of the sea, and district control rooms have been activated to monitor the situation.
Adequate shelters, power supplies, medicine, and emergency services are on standby. The National Disaster Response Force has deployed 12 teams, with an additional 5 teams on standby.
Rescue and relief teams from the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard, along with ships and aircraft, are ready for deployment. The Ministry of Power has deployed emergency teams for immediate power restoration.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has also taken proactive steps, deploying nine disaster relief teams at strategic locations to minimize potential loss of life and property at sea.