Severe Cyclonic Storm “Remal” Hits Coastal Bangladesh and West Bengal

In a recent update from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the severe cyclonic storm “Remal” made landfall along the coastal areas of Bangladesh and West Bengal, impacting regions between Sagar Islands and Khepupara. The storm, pronounced as “Re-Mal,” crossed over with wind speeds ranging from 110 to 120 kmph, gusting up to 135 kmph. The event occurred between 2230 hrs IST on May 26th and 0030 hrs IST on May 27th, 2024.

As of 0230 hrs IST on May 27th, the cyclonic storm was situated over Coastal Bangladesh and adjoining Coastal West Bengal, approximately 115 km east-northeast of Sagar Islands (West Bengal). It was also reported to be 105 km west of Khepupara (Bangladesh), 60 km east-southeast of Canning (West Bengal), and 70 km south-southwest of Mongla (Bangladesh). The system is projected to move north-northeastwards and gradually weaken into a cyclonic storm by the morning of May 27th. Subsequently, it will continue its trajectory northeastwards while further weakening.

According to IMD forecasts, the intensity and track of the cyclonic disturbance are outlined as follows:

• Date/Time (IST): 27.05.24/0230
  • Position (Lat. 0N/ Long. 0E): 22.0/89.2
  • Maximum Sustained Surface Wind Speed (Kmph): 95-105 gusting to 115
  • Category of Cyclonic Disturbance: Severe Cyclonic Storm
• Date/Time (IST): 27.05.24/0530
  • Position (Lat. 0N/ Long. 0E): 22.5/89.3
  • Maximum Sustained Surface Wind Speed (Kmph): 80-90 gusting to 100
  • Category of Cyclonic Disturbance: Cyclonic Storm
• Date/Time (IST): 27.05.24/1130
  • Position (Lat. 0N/ Long. 0E): 23.5/89.9
  • Maximum Sustained Surface Wind Speed (Kmph): 50-60 gusting to 70
  • Category of Cyclonic Disturbance: Deep Depression
• Date/Time (IST): 27.05.24/1730
  • Position (Lat. 0N/ Long. 0E): 24.3/90.6
  • Maximum Sustained Surface Wind Speed (Kmph): 35-45 gusting to 55
  • Category of Cyclonic Disturbance: Depression
• Date/Time (IST): 27.05.24/2330
  • Position (Lat. 0N/ Long. 0E): 25.1/91.3
  • Maximum Sustained Surface Wind Speed (Kmph): 20-30 gusting to 40
  • Category of Cyclonic Disturbance: Well Marked Low-Pressure Area

IMD has issued warnings for heavy rainfall and wind speeds across various regions:

• Heavy Rainfall Warning:
  • Coastal districts of West Bengal and eastern districts of Gangetic West Bengal are likely to experience light to moderate rainfall, with heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places on May 27th.
  • Eastern districts of Sub-Himalayan West Bengal may witness heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places on May 27th and 28th.
• Wind Warning:
  • Gale wind speeds ranging from 95-105 kmph, gusting up to 115 kmph, are prevalent over the North Bay of Bengal. These are expected to decrease gradually.
  • Along and off the Bangladesh and West Bengal coasts, gale wind speeds of 95-105 kmph, gusting up to 115 kmph, are anticipated to persist for the next 3 hours before decreasing gradually.

Furthermore, sea conditions along these regions are expected to be rough to very rough, with fishermen advised not to venture into the North Bay of Bengal along the West Bengal and Bangladesh coasts until May 27th.

The IMD continues to monitor the system closely, with the next update scheduled for 0800 hrs IST on May 27th, 2024. The department also issued warnings and guidance for affected regions, including actions suggested for South & North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hoogly, Kolkata, and adjoining East Medinipur districts of West Bengal.