Cyclone Remal Updates: Two Fatalities in Bangladesh, Kolkata Battens Down

Kamrul Hasan, the Secretary of Bangladesh's Disaster Management Ministry, confirmed the fatalities. He said that two people have been killed since Cyclone Remal made landfall.

In Kolkata, municipal and disaster management teams are actively clearing the city's streets of uprooted trees and debris, particularly in the Alipore area. Workers, captured in late-night visuals, were seen braving the elements to restore normalcy.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Cyclone Remal made landfall between the Sagar Islands and Khepupara, close to the southwest of Mongla, Bangladesh. The cyclone's precise coordinates during landfall were Latitude 21.75°N and Longitude 89.2°E. Following landfall, the storm weakened but continued to sustain wind speeds of 80-90 kilometers per hour.

Despite the weakening, the impact was significant, causing widespread rainfall and wind damage. Kolkata experienced 146 mm of rainfall between 8:30 am Sunday and 5:30 am Monday. Wind speeds peaked at 74 kmph in the city, with Dum Dum recording gusts of up to 91 kmph.

Other areas in South Bengal, including Haldia, Tamluk, and Nimpith, also reported substantial rainfall. Haldia received 110 mm of rain, while Tamluk and Nimpith both recorded 70 mm.

In response to the cyclone, West Bengal evacuated over 100,000 residents from vulnerable areas. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 14 teams across the state, ready to assist in rescue and relief operations.

Despite the adverse conditions, Kolkata's airport resumed operations Monday morning after a temporary closure on Sunday due to the cyclone. Passengers expressed relief as services returned to normal.

The IMD forecasts continued rainfall and gusty winds in Kolkata and the southern districts, including Nadia and Murshidabad, with intense downpours expected until Tuesday morning. As Cyclone Remal moves northward at a speed of 15 kmph, authorities remain vigilant, ensuring the safety and well-being of affected populations.