Cyclone Remal: Devastating Impact in India & Bangladesh

At least 35 people, including 27 in Mizoram, were killed in Northeastern states on Tuesday due to landslides and incessant rain in the aftermath of Cyclone Remal.- The Hindu

---

Table of Contents

Introduction Section for the Article on Cyclone Remal.

Brief detail about Cyclone Remal.

Brief detail about Cyclone Remal.

Ground Reality and Impact of Cyclone Remal in India and Bangladesh.

Comparative Study: Cyclone Remal vs Cyclone Michaung.

Government Response and Future Cyclone Forecasts.

Conclusion.

---

Introduction Section for the Article on Cyclone Remal

In recent years, the world has witnessed increasingly severe climate events, highlighting the urgent need for addressing climate change and its impacts. At www.sdblognation.in, we have dedicated significant attention to these critical issues through a series of in-depth articles:

• “AQI Delhi: Navigating The Air Quality Crisis And Solutions”: This article delved into the alarming rise in Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassing the 400 mark, exploring the contributing factors and potential solutions to the air quality crisis.

• “Cyclone Michaung: A Comprehensive List of Impacts and Responses”: We examined the devastating effects of Cyclone Michaung, which originated in the Bay of Bengal and wreaked havoc in Chennai and surrounding areas.

• “2023: Hottest Year Nears 1.5°C Global Warming Threshold”: This piece discussed how 2023 became the hottest year on record, analyzing the causes and the role of El Niño and La Niña cycles in this phenomenon.

• “Persistent Heatwaves: Trending In 2024 From 2023's Hottest Year”: Our latest article highlighted the continuation of extreme heat trends into early 2024, addressing the resulting water scarcity issues in cities like Bangalore and Chennai and the unprecedented rainfall and flooding in the UAE.

Building on this foundation, we now turn our focus to Cyclone Remal, the latest climatic event that has impacted West Bengal, parts of North Eastern India, and Bangladesh. This cyclone, which intensified on the night of May 26, 2024, serves as another stark reminder of the ongoing and escalating climate challenges we face.

---

---

Brief detail about Cyclone Remal

Cyclone Remal formed on May 24, 2024, and dissipated on May 28, 2024. As the first cyclone of the year to hit the Bay of Bengal ahead of the monsoon season, it brought extensive damage and disruption to the affected regions. Making landfall on the Sundarban Delta at 8:30 pm on May 26, the cyclone recorded wind speeds between 90 and 120 kilometers per hour. The aftermath saw significant destruction, with at least 84 fatalities, including 65 in India and 19 in Bangladesh. The cyclone's powerful impact led to widespread power outages affecting around 27 million people in Bangladesh and extensive damage to over 15,000 houses in India.

Brief detail about Cyclone Remal

Cyclone Remal was a severe cyclonic storm that affected West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bangladesh, Northeast India, and Myanmar in May 2024. Here are some key details:

• Formation and Dissipation: Cyclone Remal formed on May 24, 2024, and dissipated on May 28, 2024. It was the first cyclone to hit the Bay of Bengal that year, ahead of the June-September monsoon season.

• Landfall: Cyclone Remal made landfall on West Bengal's Sundarban Delta at 8:30 pm on May 26, 2024, with wind speeds between 90 and 120 kph.

• Impact: The cyclone caused significant damage, resulting in at least 84 fatalities, including 65 in India and 19 in Bangladesh. About 27 million people in Bangladesh were affected by power outages, and over 15,000 houses were damaged in India, with more than 200,000 people relocated to rescue camps.

Details on Cyclone Remal's Affected Areas

Cyclone Remal impacted several regions:

• West Bengal: Coastal districts, including North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Kolkata, and Howrah, experienced severe rainfall and strong winds.

• Odisha: The cyclone brought heavy rainfall and wind damage to several coastal areas.

• Jharkhand: Heavy rain and strong winds affected various parts of the state.

• Bangladesh: Coastal regions suffered from severe economic devastation, including the destruction of fish and shrimp farms, and damage to more than 150,000 houses.

• Northeast India: Assam and other northeastern states experienced heavy rainfall and flooding.

• Myanmar: Some coastal areas were also affected by the cyclone's impact.

IMD Report on Cyclone Remal

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD):

• The depression, a remnant of Cyclone Remal, moved east-northeastwards with a speed of 15 km/h.

• It was centered over East Bangladesh, approximately 50 km west-northwest of Srimangal, 70 km south-southwest of Cherrapunji, 90 km north-northeast of Agartala, 100 km south-southwest of Shillong, 130 km west of Silchar, and 160 km west-southwest of Haflong.
  

How long did Cyclone Remal last?

Cyclone Remal lasted for a period of five days:

• Formation: May 24, 2024

• Dissipation: May 28, 2024

• Landfall: The cyclone made landfall at around 9 pm on May 26, 2024, and continued to affect the region for approximately 36 hours, making it one of the longest-lasting cyclones in the area's recent history.

Real cause of Cyclone Remal

Cyclone Remal formed due to several meteorological conditions:

• A cyclonic circulation was first detected in the Bay of Bengal on May 21, 2024.

• By May 22, a low-pressure area had formed.

• On May 23, it developed into a well-marked low.

• On May 24, it intensified into a depression (BOB 01) and subsequently into a deep depression.

• Favorable high sea surface temperatures and low wind shear in the northern Bay of Bengal led to the formation of Cyclone Remal.

• The cyclone intensified into a severe cyclonic storm by May 26, 2024, with sustained winds of 110 km/h.

Ground Reality and Impact of Cyclone Remal in India and Bangladesh

Cyclone Remal, which hit India and Bangladesh in May 2024, had a profound impact on both countries, affecting lives, livestock, and the economy. Here’s an in-depth look at the consequences:

Economic Impact

India:

• In Mizoram, heavy rain caused by the cyclone led to the collapse of a stone quarry in Aizawl, resulting in 27 deaths.

• Several districts in Assam were placed on high alert due to forecasts of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, which significantly impacted low-lying areas, crops, and infrastructure.

Bangladesh:

• The cyclone devastated coastal regions, destroying fish and shrimp farms, and causing multimillion-dollar losses. Thousands were displaced, and homes were destroyed.

• The fisheries and livestock sectors faced a huge economic loss of over Tk900 crore, with severe impacts on ponds, hatcheries, and enclosures due to heavy rain, floods, and tidal surges.

Impact on Life and Livestock

Human Losses:

India:

• Cyclone Remal caused significant destruction in Northeastern India, with casualties reaching 27 in Mizoram alone .

• In West Bengal, four people were killed, and over 77,000 were relocated to camps. The total death toll in India was reported to be 38 .

Bangladesh:

• At least 16 people died, with victims succumbing to injuries en route to shelters, house collapses, and drowning during the storm . The total death toll in Bangladesh was 17 .

Livestock Losses:

India:

• Detailed information on livestock losses is scarce, but the cyclone caused significant damage to houses, crops, and livestock .

Bangladesh:

• The cyclone caused over Tk900 crore in losses to the fisheries and livestock sectors, impacting numerous ponds, hatcheries, and fisheries across coastal districts .

Key Statistics and Data Points

• Formation and Dissipation: Cyclone Remal formed on May 24, 2024, and dissipated on May 28, 2024 .

• Wind Speeds: The cyclone had 3-minute sustained winds of 110 km/h (70 mph) and gusts of up to 140 km/h (85 mph) .

• Pressure: The lowest pressure recorded was 973 hPa (mbar); 28.73 inHg .

• Fatalities: The cyclone resulted in at least 84 fatalities, including 65 in India and 19 in Bangladesh .

• Areas Affected: West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bangladesh, Northeast India, and Myanmar .

• Power Outages: Approximately 27 million people in Bangladesh were affected by power outages .

Comparative Study: Cyclone Remal vs Cyclone Michaung

Human, Economic, and Livestock Losses

Cyclone Michaung:

• Formed: December 1, 2023 .

• Dissipated: December 6, 2023 .

• Highest Winds: 100 km/h (65 mph) .

• Lowest Pressure: 986 hPa (mbar); 29.12 inHg .

• Fatalities: 17 .

• Areas Affected: India (Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh), Bangladesh .

• Economic Loss: Estimated over Rs 11,000 crore .

Cyclone Remal:

• Formed: May 24, 2024 .

• Dissipated: May 28, 2024 .

• Highest Winds: 110 km/h (70 mph) .

• Lowest Pressure: 973 hPa (mbar); 28.73 inHg .

• Fatalities: 84 (65 in India, 19 in Bangladesh) .

• Areas Affected: West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bangladesh, Northeast India, Myanmar .

• Economic Loss: Over Tk900 crore in Bangladesh .

Comparison:

• Cyclone Remal had a lower pressure and higher wind speeds, indicating a stronger storm compared to Cyclone Michaung.

• Cyclone Remal caused significantly more fatalities and affected a broader area, including Northeast India and Myanmar.

• Economic losses from Cyclone Michaung were higher in monetary terms, but Cyclone Remal had a broader impact on fisheries and livestock sectors in Bangladesh.

---

Read more on Cyclone Michaung on our detailed article the link is given below:

Cyclone Michaung: A Comprehensive List of Impacts and Responses

---

Government Response and Future Cyclone Forecasts

Government Response to the Effects of Cyclone Remal

The governments of India and Bangladesh took several measures in response to Cyclone Remal to mitigate its impact and ensure the safety of their citizens.

India:

• Preparedness: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting to review the preparedness for Cyclone Remal, directing the Ministry of Home Affairs to monitor the situation and provide necessary assistance for restoration after the cyclone's landfall.

• NDRF Deployment: The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed 12 teams, with an additional 5 teams on standby. Rescue and relief teams from the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard, along with ships and aircraft, were prepared for action.

• State Initiatives: The Indian Navy intensified preparations with ships, helicopters, and relief teams. State governments also readied State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams for relief efforts. Nine disaster relief teams were on standby in various states.

• Evacuation and Relief: In West Bengal, authorities began recovery efforts to clear roads, remove uprooted trees, and assist people returning home from shelters.
  

Bangladesh:

• Evacuations: The weather office raised its storm danger signal to the highest level for two ports and nine coastal districts. Evacuations were carried out in coastal areas, with nearly 8,000 cyclone shelters set up and 78,000 volunteers mobilized.

• UN Assistance: UN teams worked alongside local authorities and relief partners to assist affected communities, providing emergency food, water, dignity kits, and other essential relief items.

Detailed Government and Relief Efforts

Preparation and Evacuation:

• India: The government took proactive measures to prepare for the cyclone, including deploying NDRF teams and holding high-level meetings to coordinate efforts. The Indian Navy's readiness with ships, helicopters, and relief teams was a crucial part of the preparation.

• Bangladesh: The setup of nearly 8,000 cyclone shelters and mobilization of 78,000 volunteers showcased the extensive preparation efforts. Evacuations were carried out to ensure the safety of residents in the most vulnerable areas.

Rescue and Relief Operations:

• India: In Manipur, where Cyclone Remal caused widespread flooding, the state government initiated active rescue and relief operations. Fishermen assisted in evacuation efforts in badly-hit areas of Imphal.

• West Bengal: Recovery efforts involved clearing roads, removing uprooted trees, and helping people return from shelters. The authorities aimed to ensure safe passage by clearing debris and restoring basic infrastructure.

• Bangladesh: UN teams, in collaboration with local authorities, provided critical support to the affected communities, prepositioning emergency supplies and identifying shelters.

Future Forecast of Cyclonic Activities in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea

Bay of Bengal:

• A system is likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal. This system is expected to further intensify into a cyclonic storm within the subsequent 48 hours. Sea surface temperatures in the Bay of Bengal are currently favorable for cyclone formation, with central and northern areas experiencing temperatures of 32°C or more.

Arabian Sea:

• The Arabian Sea has become a cyclone hotspot, with faster warming increasing the vulnerability of India's west coast to severe storms. A tropical depression in the Arabian Sea is expected to deepen into a tropical cyclone within the next 48 hours, moving northwards with wind speeds around the center ranging from 90-120 km/h.

Conclusion

Cyclone Remal has left a profound impact on the regions it affected, notably West Bengal, parts of North Eastern India, and Bangladesh. This article has delved into various aspects of the cyclone's impact, providing a comprehensive overview of the events and their aftermath.

Key Data Points from the Article:

• Formation and Dissipation: Cyclone Remal formed on May 24, 2024, and dissipated on May 28, 2024. It was the first cyclone of the year to hit the Bay of Bengal ahead of the monsoon season.

• Landfall and Wind Speeds: The cyclone made landfall on the Sundarban Delta at 8:30 pm on May 26, with wind speeds between 90 and 120 km/h (70 mph), and gusts up to 140 km/h (85 mph).

• Pressure: The lowest pressure recorded for Cyclone Remal was 973 hPa (mbar); 28.73 inHg.

• Fatalities: The cyclone resulted in at least 84 fatalities, including 65 in India and 19 in Bangladesh.

• Affected Areas: Cyclone Remal impacted West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bangladesh, Northeast India, and Myanmar. Nearly 15,000 houses were damaged in India, and about 27 million people in Bangladesh experienced power outages.

• Economic Impact: In India, the cyclone caused significant economic damage to crops, infrastructure, and property, especially in Assam and Mizoram. In Bangladesh, the cyclone caused a huge economic loss of over Tk900 crore to the fisheries and livestock sectors.

• Government Response: The governments of India and Bangladesh took extensive measures to prepare for and respond to the cyclone. In India, the NDRF and other rescue teams were deployed, and the Navy was put on high alert. In Bangladesh, mass evacuations were carried out, and nearly 8,000 cyclone shelters were set up.

• International Support: UN teams assisted in Bangladesh, providing emergency supplies and identifying shelters.

• Comparison with Cyclone Michaung: Cyclone Remal had a lower pressure and higher wind speeds than Cyclone Michaung, resulting in more fatalities and a broader impact area. Economic losses from Cyclone Michaung were higher in monetary terms, but Remal significantly affected fisheries and livestock in Bangladesh.

• Future Forecast: Predictions indicate a high likelihood of new cyclones forming in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, with sea surface temperatures favorable for cyclone formation.

Cyclone Remal underscores the increasing frequency and intensity of cyclonic activities in the Bay of Bengal region, driven by climate change. The extensive damage, both human and economic, highlights the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure. As the region braces for future climatic events, the lessons learned from Cyclone Remal will be crucial in mitigating the impacts of such natural disasters.

---

Reference

• Cyclone Remal devastates major Bengal tiger habitat in Sunderbans; 100 freshwater ponds washed away

• Recovery efforts begin in West Bengal after Cyclone Remal: Authorities clear roads, remove uprooted trees, people return home from shelters

• Cyclone Remal Highlights: 6 killed, 29,000 houses damaged in Bengal's coastal areas

• Cyclone Remal Live Updates: Four killed in West Bengal, over 77,000 in ...

• Cyclone Remal Live Updates: Low-pressure system over Bay of Bengal ...

• Cyclone Yaas: Severe storm lashes India and Bangladesh - BBC

• Cyclone Remal devastates major Bengal tiger habitat in Sunderbans; 100 freshwater ponds washed away

• Recovery efforts begin in West Bengal after Cyclone Remal: Authorities clear roads, remove uprooted trees, people return home from shelters

• Cyclone Remal Highlights: 6 killed, 29,000 houses damaged in Bengal's coastal areas

• Cyclone Remal Live Updates: Four killed in West Bengal, over 77,000 in ...

• Cyclone Remal Live Updates: Low-pressure system over Bay of Bengal ...

• Cyclone Yaas: Severe storm lashes India and Bangladesh - BBC

• Weather News: Cyclone Remal Impact Kills 27 In Mizoram, 1 In Assam; Heatwave-Hit Delhi Almost At 50 Degrees

• Cyclone Remal impact in Assam: A road cut into half in Haflong

• Severe cyclone Remal heads for Bengal coast, northeast braces for impact

• Cyclone Remal Devastates Bangladesh's Coastal Economy

• Cyclone Remal causes losses of over 900C in fisheries and livestock sectors

• UN supports response as Cyclone Remal batters communities in Bangladesh

• Cyclone Remal devastates lives and livelihoods in Bangladesh

• Cyclone Remal: IMD sounds Orange Alert for Tripura

• Cyclone Remal hits Bangladesh and India, leaving ... - The Hindu

• Cyclone Remal slams into India, Bangladesh: What we know

• Cyclone Remal: 31 killed as rain, landslips wreak havoc in northeast

• Cyclone Remal: Above 30 dead in northeast India in rain-related incidents

• Cyclone Remal Live Updates: Four killed in West Bengal ... - India Today

• Cyclone Remal hits Bangladesh and India, leaving destruction and death

• Cyclone Remal: At least 16 killed in Bangladesh and India - BBC

• Deadly Bangladesh cyclone one of longest seen - Phys.org

• Cyclone Remal hits India and Bangladesh coastlines, 16 dead and ... - ABC

• Cyclone Remal causes losses of over 900C in fisheries and livestock sectors

• Cyclone Remal causes losses of over Tk 900 crore in fisheries and livestock sectors

• Cyclone Remal causes loss of over Tk 9 billion in fisheries and livestock sectors

• Cyclone Remal devastates lives and livelihoods in Bangladesh

• NDRCC: Cyclone Remal destroys 275,000 houses

• Morning briefing: Cyclone Remal death toll at 37 in northeast

• Cyclone Michaung - Wikipedia

• Cyclone Michaung: Cyclone weakens into deep depression, 40 lakh ... - MSN

• UN supports response as Cyclone Remal batters communities in Bangladesh

• Cyclone Michaung-caused loss estimated at over Rs 11,000 crore

• How Cyclone Michaung formed, intensified, rained, and dissipated

• Michaung leaves behind destruction in Andhra, subsides into cyclonic storm

• Weather News: Cyclone Remal Impact Kills 27 In Mizoram, 1 In Assam; Heatwave-Hit Delhi Almost At 50 Degrees

• Cyclone Remal causes losses of over Tk 900 crore in fisheries and livestock sectors

• Cyclone Remal hits Bangladesh and India, leaving ... - The Hindu

• Cyclone Remal to Form Over BoB Tonight: Expected Impact, Preparedness

• NDRCC: Cyclone Remal destroys 275,000 houses

• Remal causes over Tk900cr losses to fisheries, livestock

• Cyclones Michaung: Understanding the Impact of Loss and Damage on India's East Coast

• Cyclone Michaung’s Remnant to Continue Dumping Heavy Rain over Andhra

• Cyclone Michaung: Eight lives lost, crops in nearly 11 lakh acres damaged in Andhra Pradesh

• Cyclone Michaung: A Comprehensive List of Impacts and Responses

• Cyclone Michaung disrupts life in Chennai: Severe rains, power cuts

• Six dead in Bengal after Cyclone Remal leaves a trail of destruction

• Cyclone Remal kills 4 in West Bengal, nearly 29,500 houses damaged

• Cyclone Remal: One dead in Kolkata, death toll in Bangladesh rises to

• Cyclone Remal: One drowned, 746 people rendered homeless in Tripura

• PM Modi chairs meeting to review preparedness for cyclone Remal, takes stock of disaster management infrastructure

• Cyclone Remal: Landfall timing, states on alert, preparedness

• India, Bangladesh brace for cyclone Remal: PM Modi reviews readiness

• Cyclone Remal: Pics: Cyclone Remal Leaves Trail Of Destruction

• UN supports response as Cyclone Remal batters communities in Bangladesh

• Cyclone Remal: Severe Storm Makes Landfall On Bangladesh Coast; PM Modi Reviews Response & Preparedness

• Cyclone Remal hits Bengal, Bangladesh coasts; PM Modi, Amit Shah monitor situation

• Cyclone Remal: One dead in Kolkata, death toll in Bangladesh rises to 10, around 30,000 homes destroyed

• Bangladesh Cyclone Remal Situation Report No. 2, 27 May 2024

• Cyclone Remal makes landfall, floods coastal villages | AP News