Remal Cyclone Weakens: Impact, Red Alerts, and Canceled Travel Plans in Northeastern India

Remal Cyclone weakened as it moved from Bangladesh to West Bengal, causing disruptions in Kolkata and along the Indian Railways. Depopulations and precautions were taken in both countries. Now, recovery efforts are underway, but Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura are on alert.

According to recent reports, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Remal Cyclone (Remal is an Arabic term meaning sand), which had been a severe cyclonic storm, weakened into a regular cyclonic storm early Monday and is expected to keep weakening.

As of May 27 at 5:30 a.m., Remal Cyclone was about 70 kilometres northeast of Canning and 30 kilometers west-southwest of Mongla. It is predicted to weaken further.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, had suspended flights on 26 May because of the Remal Cyclone. However, Flight operations were resumed around 9 a.m. on May 27. The Northeast Frontier Railway also announced that 42 trains would be cancelled for two days starting Monday.

Where Is Remal Cyclone Now

The Indian Meteorological Department reported on Monday morning that the Remal Cyclone was located near Bangladesh’s Mongla port and areas in West Bengal. The storm had weakened with wind speeds of 80-90 km/h. Kolkata airport and Indian Railways resumed operations. However, the National Disaster Management Authority advised residents in affected areas to stay indoors and has not confirmed whether going outside is safe.

The IMD also mentioned that the Remal cyclone is expected to move north-northeast at first, then head northeast inland, and slowly weaken over time.