Cyclone Remal was a tropical cyclonic storm that emerged in the Bay of Bengal in May 2024. It originated as a low-pressure area near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on May 21st. By May 23rd, it had intensified into a depression and further into a cyclonic storm on May 25th. Cyclone Remal made landfall on the coast of West Bengal on May 26th and entered Bangladesh on May 27th.
Impact of Cyclone Remal
- Strong Winds: Cyclone Remal brought winds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour, causing widespread damage to homes, power lines, and trees.
- Heavy Rainfall: The cyclone triggered torrential rainfall across West Bengal and Bangladesh. Some areas recorded over 200 millimeters of rain in 24 hours.
- Floods: Inundations occurred in several regions of both countries due to the heavy downpour. Floods severely impacted homes, crops, and infrastructure.
- Landslides: Landslides were triggered in some parts of Northeast India, resulting in loss of life and property.
- Rising Storm Threat: Climate change is contributing to the intensification and destructiveness of cyclonic storms. Cyclone Remal serves as an example of the risks posed by climate change to countries like India and Bangladesh.
Why Cyclone Remal was in the News?
Cyclone Remal made headlines for several reasons:
- Intensity: It was the strongest cyclone to hit West Bengal in the 21st century. With winds exceeding 100 kilometres per hour and heavy rains, it caused widespread devastation.
- Damage: The cyclone led to over 100 deaths and losses exceeding 10 billion US dollars in India and Bangladesh. Homes, crops, infrastructure, and power lines suffered extensive damage.
- Flooding: Heavy rainfall triggered floods across several regions in both countries. Homes, crops, and infrastructure were severely impacted.
- Landslides: Landslides occurred in some parts of Northeast India, resulting in casualties.
- Climate Change: Cyclone Remal serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of climate change. These storms are becoming more intense and destructive due to climate change.
- Preparedness: The cyclone highlights the need for better preparedness for future disasters.
Other Factors
- It was the second cyclone to form in the Bay of Bengal in 2024.
- Millions of people living in coastal areas of India and Bangladesh were affected.
- Several countries and organizations assisted in rescue and relief efforts.
Conclusion
Cyclone Remal wreaked havoc in India and Bangladesh, causing immense damage. Recovering from the losses incurred will take these countries several years. The cyclone serves as a stark reminder of the perils of climate change and underscores the urgent need for better preparedness in the face of future disasters.
Key Facts about Cyclone Remal
- It was the second cyclonic storm to form in the Bay of Bengal in 2024.
- It was the strongest cyclone to impact West Bengal in the 21st century.
- The cyclone led to over 100 deaths in India and Bangladesh.
- The estimated damage from the cyclone exceeds 10 billion US dollars.
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