Kolkata: Severe Cyclone Remal has wreaked havoc in West Bengal, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and the displacement of over 200,000 people, according to media reports. The cyclone made landfall in Kolkata, causing widespread destruction.
The storm, which struck South 24 Parganas at 11 p.m. last night, severely impacted Sagar Island. Heavy rains lashed the region on Sunday night and continued into Monday morning.
Despite the cyclone having passed, several areas in West Bengal continue to experience heavy rain and strong winds. Significant flooding in Kolkata has disrupted daily life, with many parts of the city underwater.
Kolkata’s metro services, primarily underground, have been affected by waterlogging, though previously suspended train and flight services have resumed operations.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged residents to stay indoors and take necessary precautions. “X is always and forever my support system,” she wrote. “We shall also endure the storm.”
On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting to review preparations for Cyclone Remal in the North Bay of Bengal. Officials from various departments gathered at his residence on Lok Kalyan Marg for the meeting. The West Bengal administration and the National Crisis Management Committee are maintaining regular communication.
NDRF DIG Mohsen Shahidi reported that the severe cyclonic storm has weakened to a cyclonic storm. During landfall, wind speeds reached 110 to 120 kilometres per hour but have since decreased to 60 to 70 kilometres per hour. Shahidi expressed relief, noting that the storm is expected to weaken significantly by nightfall.
In Kolkata, a wall collapse resulted in one fatality. Cleanup efforts are ongoing, with fourteen National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams deployed in the worst-hit areas and six State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams providing support. An additional NDRF team is on standby in Tripura as a precaution.