Rain lashes Kolkata as cyclone Remal approaches coast; IMD issues warning

Parts of Kolkata witnessed heavy rainfall today as Cyclone Remal approaches the coast of West Bengal and Bangladesh. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning against the severe cyclonic storm, expected to make landfall at midnight between Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts.

IMD's alert, issued on Saturday, highlighted the potential impact of Cyclone Remal, which is anticipated to bring extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds to coastal regions of Bangladesh and West Bengal on May 26. The cyclone, originating from a low-pressure system detected in the Bay of Bengal on May 22, has intensified into a significant depression and is currently positioned in the central Bay of Bengal. Meteorologists forecast that the system will further evolve into a cyclone and advance towards northeastern India by the morning of May 25.

In addition to West Bengal, other northeastern states such as Tripura, Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur are also expected to experience rainfall and strong winds. Tripura's regional meteorological centre has cautioned against adverse weather conditions starting from May 26.