Kolkata : Senior state government officials reported that Cyclone Remal caused damage to approximately 15,000 houses in 24 divisions and 79 municipal wards in West Bengal's south coastal region. The storm also led to the falling of 2,140 trees and 337 electricity poles. Government employees are currently assessing the extent of the damage in the affected areas.
Preliminary reports indicate that around 14,941 houses were affected by the cyclone, with 1,003 houses completely destroyed. The number of damaged houses is expected to rise. Authorities have relocated 207,060 individuals to 1,438 shelter centers, with 77,288 citizens currently accommodated. Additionally, 341 kitchens have been established to provide food, and 17,738 tarps have been distributed. Areas such as Kakdwip, Namkhana, Sagar Island, Diamond Harbour, Fraserganj, Bakkhali, and Mandarmani in West Bengal bore the brunt of the storm.
Two casualties were reported, along with significant damage to infrastructure and property in coastal regions. Cyclone Remal continued into neighboring Bangladesh with winds reaching 135 kmph. Record-breaking rainfall was observed in Kolkata, with 150 mm of rain recorded in 24 hours. The Salt Lake area received 110 mm of rainfall during the same period.
Tarakeshwar in Hooghly experienced the highest rainfall in South Bengal at 300 mm, according to the Meteorological Department. The cyclone's impact led to the uprooting of numerous trees on Kolkata's roads, causing disruptions to road traffic. Heavy rain flooded some parts of the city, further affecting transportation. Uprooted trees numbered 68 in Kolkata, and 75 in Salt Lake and Rajarhat areas. Rail, metro, and air traffic were also impacted by the severe weather conditions.
Tragically, one individual lost their life in Kolkata due to the storm's heavy rains, while another person died in a wall collapse in the Bibir Bagan area of Antli. Two individuals sustained injuries in the Maniktala area. In neighboring Bangladesh, Cyclone Remal also wreaked havoc, causing significant flooding and claiming the lives of seven individuals.
The storm, reaching speeds of 120 kmph, left hundreds of villages submerged and plunged over 15 million citizens into darkness. Meteorological reports indicate a decrease in the cyclone's intensity on Monday morning.