Bengal Braces for Heavy Rain, Evacuation Ordered as Cyclone Warning Issued

Strategic Insights -

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged district administrations to be on high alert and evacuate residents to safer areas if necessary, in response to a forecast of heavy rain in 48 hours. The warning comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to very heavy rain in coastal districts of North and South 24-Parganas, with squally winds reaching speeds of up to 60km an hour.

Key Takeaways:

  • The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rain in North and South 24-Parganas districts, with heavy rain expected in East Midnapore district.
  • Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has instructed district administrations to evacuate residents from low-lying areas if necessary and to keep relief material ready.
  • The disaster management department's control room will operate 24/7 to monitor the situation.
  • Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea, and those who take dips in the sea have been cautioned against doing so.
  • Relief centres have been prepared in East Midnapore and South 24-Parganas districts.
  • Seven inflatable boats have been deployed in the Contai subdivision area for rescue, and 63 life guards are on standby.
  • Multi-purpose cyclone shelters have been readied in South 24-Parganas district.
  • The administration is monitoring Sagar, Mousuni, Patharpratima, Ghoramara, and similar islands in East Midnapore district.
  • District, sub-division, and block-level officials have been alerted in North 24-Parganas district to respond quickly in case of embankment breaches or flooding.

Statistics:

  • Heavy rain is forecast in "one or two places" of the two coastal districts of North and South 24-Parganas on Thursday, and heavy rain is expected on Friday.
  • Squally winds with gusts up to 60km an hour are forecast.
  • Up to 15.5mm of rain is classified as light rain, and rainfall between 15.6mm to 64.4mm is called moderate rain.

Sources:

  • The Times of India
  • India Meteorological Department (IMD)
  • Chief Minister's Office, West Bengal
  • ABP Private Limited