Agartala: The Tripura government has implemented extensive preparatory measures, including the suspension of all schools and the deployment of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other emergency services following Cyclone Remal.
At a press conference, Brijesh Pandey, Secretary of the Revenue Department, stated that Cyclone Remal, currently centred over the Bay of Bengal, has intensified into a Severe Cyclonic Storm.
“It is expected to continue moving northwards, intensifying further into a Severe Cyclonic Storm with maximum sustained wind speeds of 110-120 kmph, gusting up to 135 kmph. The cyclone is projected to make landfall around 11:00 PM tonight near Khepupara and Sagar Island,” Pandey announced.
Pandey further explained that Tripura will likely experience increased rainfall, heavy downpours, and gusty winds in isolated areas from May 26 to May 29 due to the cyclone.
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“Rainfall is anticipated to begin in Tripura on the night of May 26 and continue until May 29. After receiving the initial bulletin from the IMD and advisory from the National Disaster Management Authority, the Revenue Department issued advisories to District Magistrates and Collectors on May 24 to take preparatory actions. We are in continuous contact with the DMs and Collectors, alongside the IMD and Disaster Management, to ensure all necessary measures are in place to mitigate the cyclone’s impact. Emergency Operation Centres at both the State and District levels are operational 24/7,” he noted.
Given the cyclone’s severity, an urgent State Executive Committee meeting was convened today, chaired by Chief Secretary JK Sinha at the Civil Secretariat.
Attendees included Director General of Police Amitabh Ranjan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dr. Avinash Kanfade, Secretaries, Heads of relevant Departments, and senior officers from agencies such as IMD, Airport Authority, and NDRF.
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Following the meeting, the government decided to close all schools, educational institutions, and Anganwadi Centres on May 27 and 28.
“The Transport Department has been instructed to coordinate with Railways, the Airport Authority, and Road Transport to ensure public safety and inform the public of any flight, train, or transport cancellations,” Pandey added.
He further mentioned that the NDRF has been requested to mobilize a team to the southern region, specifically Santirbazar, to assist South Tripura and Gomati Districts.
“SDRF teams are on standby to respond to any crisis. The Food Department must ensure the availability of food and essential supplies, while the Fishery Department should warn fishermen against entering lakes, rivers, or reservoirs for fishing during May 26-28,” he emphasized.
KC Meena, Director of the Airport Authority of India, reported that all flights from Kolkata to Agartala are cancelled until 9 AM on May 27.
“Passengers are being notified by the respective airlines. Other flights from Delhi, Bangalore, and Guwahati are operating as scheduled. Further updates on air traffic will be provided as necessary,” Meena added.