Cyclone ‘Remal’ Strengthens, Approaches West Bengal Coast: Orange Alert Issued

The cyclonic storm named “Remal” (pronounced as “Re-Mal”) swirling over the North and adjoining Eastcentral Bay of Bengal has shown signs of intensification, posing potential threats to coastal areas. As of 2030 hrs IST on May 25th, 2024, the cyclone was tracked near latitude 19.1°N and longitude 89.5°E, approximately 330 km south of Khepupara, Bangladesh. It’s also reported to be about 330 km south-southeast of Sagar Islands (West Bengal), 440 km southeast of Digha, and 360 km south-southeast of Canning (West Bengal).

Forecasters anticipate the cyclone to maintain a northerly trajectory, gaining strength to evolve into a Severe Cyclonic Storm by the morning of May 26th over the North Bay of Bengal. It’s projected to make landfall between Sagar Island and Khepupara by midnight on May 26th as a Severe Cyclonic Storm, with wind speeds ranging from 110-120 kmph, gusting up to 135 kmph. An orange alert has been issued, urging residents along the West Bengal coast to brace for potential impacts.