New Delhi: India’s National Crisis Management Committee is implementing extensive measures to protect the metropolis of Kolkata and nearby districts in West Bengal state from a severe cyclonic storm expected on the night of May 26 and the morning of May 27.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 12 teams for disaster prevention, with five additional teams on standby.
In addition, rescue and relief teams of the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard, along with ships and aircraft, have also been kept on alert. Emergency teams from the Ministry of Power have been prepared for immediate power restoration in case of blackouts.
These measures were initiated after the National Crisis Management Committee met under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba to review preparedness for Cyclone Remal, which is intensifying in the Bay of Bengal.
Cyclone Remal is rapidly approaching West Bengal and is expected to make landfall between Sagar Island and Khepupara after midnight on May 26.
“The severe cyclonic storm will have a wind speed of 110 to 120 kmph gusting to 130 kmph while making windfall,” according to India’s Cabinet Secretariat.
The Cabinet Secretary has advised fishermen to avoid venturing out into the sea. “Fishermen already out in the high seas have been called back and people from vulnerable areas are being evacuated.”
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