As cyclone 'Remal' over Coastal Bangladesh and adjoining Coastal West Bengal moved nearly northwards, with a speed of 15 kmph during past 06 hours, Kolkata police said that many areas of the city have been hard-hit by the severe cyclonic storm.
In the aftermath of cyclone 'Remal' Metro services were disrupted on Monday due to waterlogging on tracks between Park Street and Esplanade Metro station amidst the heavy downpour in Kolkata in the morning. The subway of Park Street Metro station was also inundated.
Speaking to ANI, Somnath Dutta, Head Eastern Region, IMD Kolkata, said, "After the landfall, Cyclone Remal moved to the northward direction and today morning, its strength has reduced and turned into a cyclonic storm."
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert in two districts of Tripura-Sepahijala and Gumati - in anticipation of heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds on Monday due to cyclone Remal.
The severe cyclonic storm 'Remal' has weakened since making landfall last night and is expected to downgrade into a deep depression by this evening, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) announced on Monday.
"Severe Cyclonic Storm Remal over Coastal Bangladesh and adjoining Coastal West Bengal weakened into Cyclonic Storm at 0530hrs of the 27 May about 70km northeast of Canning and 30km west-southwest of Mongla. The system is likely to gradually weaken further," IMD posted on X.
The Sealdah division has set up Emergency control rooms from May 25 to May 27 and installed pumps at all critical places to mitigate water logging. Public announcements were also made frequently at all stations, the Railways said.
"Update cyclone #Remal@IndiaCoastGuard is closely monitoring the landfall of cyclone #Remal with the disaster response team, Ships, and Hovercraft standby at short notice to respond to post-impact challenges. Follow official advisories, Stay informed, and stay safe," the ICG posted on X.<
After making landfall over coastal areas of West Bengal and Bangladesh, severe Cyclonic storm 'Remal' would continue to move nearly northwards for some more time and then north-northeastwards and weaken gradually into a Cyclonic Storm, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on M
As severe cyclonic storm 'Remal' makes landfall between Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coast, Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha said that state and district administrations are fully prepared to deal with the cyclone and urged people of the state to exercise "utmost caution."
As heavy rain and gusty winds continue in Kolkata following the landfall of severe cyclonic storm 'Remal', the Kolkata Municipality team and Kolkata Police Disaster Management team are engaged in clearing uprooted trees in the Alipore area of the city.