"NDRF and other teams ready": West Tripura DM as cyclone Remal intensifies

May 25, 2024

Agartala (Tripura) [India], May 25 : As cyclone Remal intensifies, Tripura is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the IMD for further developments regarding the cyclonic storm. Given the current situation, all District Magistrates were advised to follow the India Meteorological Department's (IMD's) impact-based advisories and take appropriate measures.
Agartala, West Tripura District Magistrate and Collector, Vishal Kumar on Saturday said that NDRF and other teams are ready given the warning and is preparing to evacuate people from low-lying areas to safe shelters and start providing relief if needed.
"IMD has issued an advisory. It includes all the districts in the south of Tripura. There will be strong winds and heavy rainfall from the evening of May 25... Due to the low-pressure zone in the Northeast region and Southeast Asia, cyclonic winds will move from the Bay of Bengal. We have alerted all the field officers... Workers of the forest department are also alert. We have NDRF and other teams ready... We are in regular contact with IMD," DM Vishal Kumar told ANI.
He said that field officers have been alerted, and the forest department is on high alert. With the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other teams also ready, the district administration is in contact with IMD to stay updated with the evolving situation.
"The NDRF team and TSR team have been put on standby. Petrol pumps have been advised to keep adequate fuel, the administration is doing its daily monitoring," he added.
The IMD in Agartala has issued Orange alerts for Tripura from May 26th to 28th, warning of thunderstorms with lightning and squally winds reaching speeds of 50-60 kmph, gusting to 70 kmph, along with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, which is very likely to occur across all districts of the state.
"All relevant departments and agencies, including drinking water, power, highways, and forest department field workers, are instructed to remain on standby. Emergency services, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Tripura State Rifles (TSR), are prepared for deployment. Additionally, logistical preparations such as stocking food supplies and ensuring adequate fuel at petrol pumps are in place," the DM said.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Agartala has issued a severe cyclone warning for the northeastern region of India and coastal areas of Bangladesh.
The anticipated landfall of cyclone Remal is projected to occur in West Bengal and the coastal regions of Bangladesh around midnight on May 26. The cyclone will bring with it extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds.
The primary regions affected are West Bengal, Coastal Bangladesh, Tripura, and some other parts of northeastern states.
Due to Cyclone Remal's landfall districts in the southern direction, including West Tripura District, may experience wind speeds of 40 to 60 km/hr accompanied by heavy rainfall. Residents and local authorities are urged to take necessary precautions to mitigate potential damage.