■Remal has continued to track NNW over last 10 hrs. Currently passing thru hot waters of 32°C and low wind shear, it has INTENSIFIED further into a Very Severe Cyclone.
Landfall process is imminent at Haldibari in Sunderbans within next few hrs as a VSCS!
Kolkata & most of south WB need to brace for the worst of the cyclone post landfall which is in it's southern sector.
Heavy to very heavy rains & winds gusting 100-130kmph likely late night onwards for Kolkata!
■The last flight too has landed safely. Flight operations are now suspended at #Kolkata airport till 9am tomorrow or till any further notification. Cyclone Remal hits Bengal, Kolkata airport cancels all flights.
●Heavy rain has started over a wide range of area in Gosaba & Sundarbans in South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal. The water level has increased in River Bakkhali.
●Cyclone Remal has gained intensity and is anticipated to strike the West Bengal and Bangladesh coastlines tonight. High winds and significant rainfall are forecasted.
●According to the bulletin, damage – including to vulnerable structures, trees, communication lines and roads – is expected in West Bengal’s South and North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hoogly, Kolkata and East Medinipur districts.
●WestBengal government is taking comprehensive relief and rehabilitation measures in view of CycloneRemal, which is expected to make a landfall between Khepupara in Bangladesh and the Sagar Islands in Bengal midnight tonight.
A special control room has been set up in the state secretariat, Nabanna. An 'Integrated Control Room' has also started working in Kolkata police headquarters to deal with the possible disaster.
■Meanwhile, Indian Navy has also initiated preparatory actions to provide immediate and effective assistance in the wake of Cyclone Remal.
It has prepared two ships equipped with humanitarian assistance, disaster relief response and medical supplies for immediate deployment to ensure the safety and welfare of the affected populace.
Additionally, Indian Naval aviation assets, including Sea King and Chetak helicopters as well as Dornier aircrafts, are on standby for rapid response. Specialised diving teams with equipment have been stationed in Kolkata and Visakhapatnam to provide prompt assistance.
In addition, two flood relief teams each from Visakhapatnam and Chilka are ready for deployment at short notice.
