pic credit: Skymet weather
By Sujata Muguda, Shreyas WebMedia Solutions
27 May 2024: The areas impacted by Cyclone Remal start the difficult process of healing and reconstruction as her remnants continue to fade. A testimony to human endurance, the hurricane left a path of destruction as it made landfall between the beaches of Bangladesh and West Bengal.
The cyclone, named ‘Remal’ by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), originated in the Bay of Bengal and quickly intensified, prompting the IMD to issue a red alert for the coastal regions of West Bengal and Odisha. The alert was a harbinger of the severe impact that was to follow, as Remal reached wind speeds of 110-120 km per hour, gusting to 135 kmph at its peak intensity.
The response to the impending disaster was swift and well-coordinated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review the response and preparedness for the cyclone. In a significant evacuation effort, Bangladesh moved 8 lakh people to concrete storm shelters, showcasing a proactive approach to disaster management.
As Remal made landfall, the effects were immediate and devastating. Power outages swept across regions, and transportation services were significantly affected. Eastern and South Eastern Railways preemptively canceled numerous train services in anticipation of the cyclone’s impact. Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport suspended operations, affecting numerous flights and leaving travelers stranded.
The aftermath of Remal has been challenging. Reports of injuries in Kolkata and at least seven fatalities in Bangladesh have emerged, highlighting the human cost of such natural calamities. The storm has weakened, but not before leaving behind a legacy of damage to infrastructure and property. Kolkata recorded a rainfall of 146 mm, leading to waterlogging and uprooted trees, while Dum Dum experienced wind speeds of 91 kmph.
The recovery process is now underway, with disaster management agencies working tirelessly to restore normalcy. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed in affected areas, providing much-needed relief and assistance. The Kolkata airport has resumed operations, signaling a move towards restoration.
The cyclone’s impact extends beyond the immediate physical damage. It serves as a reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of such weather events, possibly linked to climate change. It underscores the importance of preparedness, early warning systems, and robust infrastructure to mitigate the effects of future cyclones.
As the region looks to rebuild, the stories of courage and community spirit stand out. Neighbors helping neighbors, volunteers distributing aid, and the tireless efforts of emergency personnel reflect the indomitable will to overcome adversity.
Cyclone Remal will be recorded in history not just for its fury, but for the collective response it galvanized. It is a narrative of caution and hope, of destruction and the determination to rebuild, and above all, a narrative of humanity’s enduring strength in the face of nature’s challenges.