Cyclone Remal: A red alert has been issued in four districts of Tripura as the state braces for the impact of severe cyclonic storm ‘Remal‘ which is likely to make landfall between Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts by Sunday midnight.
As per an official order issued by the Tripura government on Sunday, a red alert has been issued in South, Dhalai, Khowai, and West districts in wake of Cyclone Remal, even as all schools and colleges in the northeastern state have been ordered shut on May 27-28.
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“On Sunday, the chief secretary convened a meeting of the state executive committee of disaster management with all stakeholders to review the preparedness for ‘Remal’. Officials from the revenue and meteorological departments, Airports Authority of India and security forces attended the meet,” revenue secretary Brijesh Pandey told reporters.
“Thunderstorms with lightning, squally winds reaching speeds of 60 kmph, gusting to 70 kmph, and heavy to very heavy rainfall are likely in isolated areas of South, Dhalai, Khowai, and West Tripura districts on May 27. Hence, a red alert has been issued in these four districts,” Pandey said.
Additionally, orange and yellow alerts have been issued for the remaining districts for May 27 and 28, he added.
Schools closed
The official asserted that Tripura is full prepared to tackle any unforeseen events due to the cyclonic storm, and state executive committee has decided to declare holidays in all schools on May 27 and 28 as a precautionary measure.
“The district magistrates and superintendents of police have been instructed to be ready to respond to any emergencies, considering the Met’s alert for heavy rainfall and gusty winds,” he said, adding that three NDRF teams have been stationed in different districts to assist the administration in case of any emergency resulting from the cyclonic storm.
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Flights suspended
Meanwhile, Airport Authority of India in Agartala has announced that all flights arriving from Kolkata to Agartala have been cancelled until 9 AM on May 27.
“Since Kolkata airport has already been shut down due to the cyclonic storm, all flights to and from MBB Airport to Kolkata have been suspended, but services on other routes Agartala-Guwahati, Agartala-Delhi, and Agartala-Bangalore are operating normally,”- an AAI official said.
He said that passengers are being notified by the respective airlines, while flights from Delhi, Bangalore, and Guwahati are currently operating as scheduled, with further updates expected.
(With inputs from agencies)
