New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting today at his residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, to review the preparedness for Cyclone Remal, which is anticipated to make landfall over the North Bay of Bengal.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Remal is forecasted to cross the coasts of Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal between Sagar Islands and Khepupara, near southwest Mongla (Bangladesh), by midnight tonight. The cyclone is expected to bring significant rainfall to West Bengal and the northeastern states.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister was briefed on the situation and informed that the National Crisis Management Committee is in regular contact with the West Bengal government. Precautionary measures have been taken, including advising all fishermen to avoid venturing into the South Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea. Approximately 100,000 people are being relocated to safer areas as a precaution.
IMD is also providing regular updates to Bangladesh to assist with their preparedness efforts.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the Government of India’s commitment to supporting the state governments. He directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to monitor the situation closely and conduct a review post-landfall to provide necessary assistance for restoration efforts. He instructed that, in addition to the 12 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams already deployed in West Bengal and one in Odisha, additional teams should be kept on standby, ready to deploy within an hour if needed. The Indian Coast Guard has also been tasked with deploying its assets for any emergencies.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of maintaining high vigilance in ports, railways, and highways to prevent any untoward incidents during and after the cyclone’s landfall.