The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a stern warning on Thursday, forecasting the intensification of a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal into Cyclone Remal. Expected to hit Bangladesh and the adjoining West Bengal coasts by Sunday evening, this marks the first pre-monsoon cyclone in the region.
IMD scientist Monica Sharma anticipates that the cyclonic system will coalesce into a depression over the central Bay of Bengal by Friday morning. She stated, “It is expected to further intensify into a cyclonic storm by Saturday morning and eventually make landfall on the Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coast as a severe cyclonic storm by Sunday evening.”
Here are some main points about Cyclone Remal:
- The cyclone is projected to attain wind speeds of up to 102 kilometers per hour by Sunday.
- Alerts have been issued for significant rainfall in the coastal regions of West Bengal, northern Odisha, Mizoram, Tripura, and southern Manipur on May 26-27.
- Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the Bay of Bengal until May 27, urging them to return to the coast for safety.
- Scientists attribute the intensification of cyclonic storms to warmer sea surface temperatures, a consequence of increased greenhouse gas emissions. Warmer waters result in higher moisture content, fostering the intensification of cyclones.
IMD scientist DS Pai emphasized the impact of warmer sea surface temperatures on cyclone behavior. “Warmer sea surface temperatures mean more moisture, which is favorable for the intensification of cyclones,” he explained.
As authorities brace for the impending cyclone, precautionary measures and disaster preparedness efforts are underway to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of coastal communities. With climate change exacerbating weather extremes, vigilance and proactive measures remain paramount in confronting such natural phenomena.
