Heavy Rainfall Hits Northeastern India; Cyclonic Storm “Remal” Weakens
Heavy rainfall swept across northeastern India in the past 24 hours, with several regions experiencing significant precipitation. In Meghalaya, Sohra (Cherrapunjee) recorded 39 cm of rainfall, while Shillong received 25 cm and Barapani saw 17 cm. Arunachal Pradesh also experienced considerable rainfall, with NARI AWS in Lower Siang district recording 13 cm, BASAR AWS in Leparada district registering 8 cm, and HURI AWS in Kurung Kumey district receiving 7 cm. Assam reported rainfall totals of 15 cm in Silchar and 11 cm in Haflong.
Meanwhile, a deep depression, the remnant of Cyclonic Storm “Remal,” weakened into a depression over eastern Bangladesh. This system moved east-northeastwards at a speed of 12 kmph over the past six hours, ultimately settling at 0530 hrs IST on 28th May, 2024, over eastern Bangladesh. Located near latitude 24.4 °N and longitude 91.1 °E, approximately 170 km west-southwest of Silchar (Assam), 260 km north-northeast of Mongla (Bangladesh), 60 km west-southwest of Srimangal (Bangladesh), and 100 km northeast of Dhaka (Bangladesh), the depression is expected to continue its east-northeastward movement. Forecasters predict further weakening into a well-marked low-pressure area within the next 12 hours.
The Indian Meteorological Department has issued warnings regarding heavy rainfall and wind speeds in several regions. West Bengal is expected to experience light to moderate rainfall, with isolated heavy rainfall likely in eastern districts. Similarly, northeastern states, including Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura, may witness moderate to heavy rainfall, with isolated instances of very heavy rainfall. South Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura are at risk of isolated extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm. Squally winds of 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph are expected over the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh, and the coasts of West Bengal, gradually decreasing thereafter. In the northeastern states, wind speeds may reach 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph in certain areas until the afternoon of 28th May, diminishing thereafter.
As a result of the inclement weather, rough sea conditions are expected in the North Bay of Bengal and along the coasts of Bangladesh and West Bengal until noon on 28th May, with improvements thereafter. Vulnerable structures, including thatched houses and huts, are at risk of damage, along with banana and papaya trees. Additionally, agricultural areas may experience damage to crops, roads, and localized flooding.
Residents in vulnerable areas are urged to take precautions, including moving to safer locations, remaining indoors, and avoiding waterlogged areas. Continuous surveillance of the weather system will be conducted, with updates provided as necessary.
