Storm Weakens but Leaves Widespread Damage; IMD Predicts Further Weakening by Monday!

Cyclone Remal wreaked havoc across West Bengal, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old man in Kolkata and causing severe waterlogging, uprooted trees, and widespread transport cancellations. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the cyclone has weakened into a "cyclonic storm" and is expected to diminish further on Monday. The storm, which made landfall between the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh on Sunday night, led to torrential rains and strong winds, significantly affecting daily life and infrastructure.

 The deceased, identified as Mohammad Sajib, was killed when a cement tile fell on his head in the Bibir Bagan area of Kolkata due to the storm's impact. Sunday night's heavy rains, amounting to 144 mm in Kolkata alone, resulted in severe waterlogging in many low-lying areas, further impeding movement within the city. Strong winds uprooted numerous trees, damaged electricity poles, and caused extensive property damage and road blockages.

 The cyclone also disrupted transportation, with train services cancelled in many areas and metro services running on a truncated schedule due to waterlogging on tracks between Park Street and Esplanade stations. Flight operations at Kolkata airport, suspended since Sunday noon, resumed around 9 am on Monday, although delays and cancellations continued.

 Municipal authorities and disaster management teams are actively working to clear debris, remove fallen trees, and restore normalcy. The extent of the damage is still being assessed. A red alert has been issued in the districts of Murshidabad and Nadia, which are expected to receive 7 to 20 cm of rain on Monday. Eight other districts, including Kolkata, are likely to experience thundershowers and gusty winds of 50 to 60 kmph, with temporary gusts reaching up to 80 kmph.

 As Cyclone Remal moves further northeast, heavy rains are expected to decrease on Monday, though stormy winds will continue to affect the southern coast of Bengal. The IMD has forecasted continuous rain and strong winds for Kolkata and surrounding districts, urging residents to remain cautious as recovery efforts continue.