Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi led a meeting earlier today at his residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, to review the preparedness for cyclone “Remal” over the North Bay of Bengal. According to forecasts by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclonic storm is expected to cross Bangladesh and the adjoining West Bengal coasts between Sagar Islands and Khepupara, near the southwest of Mongla (Bangladesh) by midnight today, triggering rainfall in West Bengal and Northeastern States.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi was briefed about the ongoing coordination efforts between the National Crisis Management Committee and the Government of West Bengal. Measures such as advising fishermen not to venture into the South Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea and the evacuation of approximately one lakh people to safer locations were highlighted. The IMD is additionally furnishing Bangladesh with regular updates to bolster information support.
PM Modi reiterated the Government of India’s full support to the State Government and emphasized the need for continued assistance. He directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to monitor the situation closely and conduct a review post-landfall to extend necessary aid for restoration efforts.
In addition to the deployment of 12 NDRF teams in West Bengal and one in Odisha, PM Modi instructed to keep more teams on standby for immediate deployment, along with the Indian Coast Guard to deploy its assets for emergencies. He stressed the importance of increased vigilance across Ports, Railways, and Highways to forestall any adverse events.
The meeting was attended by key officials including the Principal Secretary to the PM, Cabinet Secretary, Home Secretary, DG NDRF, DG IMD, and Member Secretary NDMA, reflecting the government’s proactive approach in addressing the cyclone threat and ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens.
