Cyclone Remal will hit Bengal today, 12 NDRF teams deployed; Flight operations will remain closed at the airport

The Bengal state government has stepped up its preventive measures in anticipation of Cyclone "Remal." At a high-level meeting with State Secretariat officials on Saturday, State Chief Secretary BP Gopalika talked about combating the cyclone. On the other hand, Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba met via video conference with top state officials to discuss the cyclone preparations on behalf of the Centre.

It was advised, on behalf of the Chief Secretary, that all required supplies, including first aid supplies and critical medications, had been kept in storage since the control room's opening. It has been recommended that fishermen refrain from entering the sea until May 27. If they are already in the water, they should return right away.

According to sources, the Cabinet Secretary while assuring the Bengal Government said that all the central agencies are on full alert to deal with the situation and will be available for all possible assistance.

The Meteorological Department has warned of extremely heavy rainfall in the coastal districts of Bengal and North Odisha on Sunday-Monday. The department has issued a red alert for Bengal's coastal districts South and North 24 Parganas on May 26 and 27.

Apart from the 12 teams, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has asked five additional teams to be ready. Rescue and relief teams from the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard have also been kept ready. Advisories along with regular alerts are being issued by the Director General of Shipping at the ports of Kolkata and Paradip.

The Cabinet Secretary stressed that all necessary preventive and precautionary measures should be taken by the state government and central agencies. Also in case of loss essential services should be restored in the shortest possible time.

The Meteorological Department warned that Cyclone Ramal, originating in the Bay of Bengal, may make landfall between Sagardweep in Bengal and the coasts of Bangladesh late on Sunday night. There is a possibility of it hitting at a speed of 110 to 120 kilometers per hour. According to the Meteorological Department, the cyclone is becoming severe by turning into a deep depression. At 5.30 am on Saturday, it lay centered about 380 km from Sagardweep in Bengal and 530 km south-southeast of Canning.

In view of the possible impact of Cyclone Remal, flight operations from Kolkata Airport will be completely suspended for 21 hours from Sunday afternoon. In a meeting held at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport in Kolkata, Director C Pattabhi said in a statement that in view of the impact of the cyclone in the coastal areas of Bengal including Kolkata, from 12 noon on Sunday, May 26 to May 27. It has been decided to suspend flight operations till 9 am.