Cyclone ‘Remal’ has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm and is expected to approach the shores of Bangladesh and West Bengal by midnight on Sunday, 26 May. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts winds of 110-120 kmph with gusts up to 135 kmph.
West Bengal’s coastal regions are likely to experience exceptionally severe rainfall, with Kolkata and surrounding areas facing heavy to very heavy rain. In response to Cyclone Remal, the Indian Navy is preparing to conduct a comprehensive Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operation following standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Kolkata airport will be closed from 1200 hours on 26 May to 0900 hours on 27 May due to the severe cyclone conditions. All Air India flights to and from Kolkata are cancelled during this period.
The Indian Railways has also cancelled several trains due to the cyclone threat. The affected trains are as follows:
Trains not operating on 26 May
– Train number 22897 (Howrah-Digha Kandari Express)
– Train number 08137 (Panskura-Digha EMU Passenger Special)
– Train number 08139 (Panskura-Digha EMU Passenger Special)
– Train number 22898 (Digha-Howrah Kandari Express)
Trains not operating on 27 May
– Train number 08136 (Digha-Panskura EMU Passenger Special)
– Train number 08138 (Digha-Panskura EMU Passenger Special)
Operational change on 26 May
– Train number 22889 (Digha-Puri Superfast Weekly Train) will operate from Kharagpur instead of Digha.
Helpline Numbers
Due to the potential destruction anticipated from Cyclone Remal, the Kolkata Police have issued the following helpline numbers: 9432610428 and 9432610429.