CYCLONE REMAL TO HIT BENGAL COAST ON 25 MAY ; PREEMPTIVE MEASURES TAKEN

Why in the news?

  • Cyclone Remal, originating in the central Bay of Bengal, is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by 25 May.
  • The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts landfall between Sagar Island (West Bengal) and Khepupara (Bangladesh) on May 25 in the evening with wind speeds up to 120 kmph.
source:medium

About Cyclone Remal:

  • Naming: Named ‘Remal’ by Oman, first cyclone of the 2024 pre-monsoon season.
  • Origin: Originates in the Bay of Bengal (BoB).
  • Formation Factors:
    • Central BoB depression serves as genesis.
    • Warmer-than-average water temperatures fuel formation.
    • Madden Julian Oscillation and warm ocean winds contribute to cyclone initiation.
National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project:

  • India’s initiative to mitigate cyclone effects through structural and non-structural measures.
  • Aims: to safeguard vulnerable communities from cyclones and other hydro-meteorological disasters.
  • Management transferred to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in September 2006.

About Sagar Island:

  • Location: Island in the Ganges delta, on the continental shelf of the Bay of Bengal.
  • Administrative Division: Falls under South 24 Parganas District, West Bengal.
  • Ecology: Part of Sundarbans; lacks tiger habitation, mangrove forests, and small river tributaries typical of Sundarban delta.
  • Cultural Significance: Hindu pilgrimage site.
  • Gangasagar Mela: Annual gathering on Makar Sankranti for a holy dip at the Ganges-Bay of Bengal confluence.
  • Kapil Muni Temple: Pilgrims offer prayers here.

About Council on Energy, Environment and Water(CEEW):

  • CEEW Center for Energy Finance (CEF) promotes clean energy solutions in emerging economies.
  • CEEW is a Delhi-based nonprofit research institution focusing on energy, environment, and water policies.
  • Research areas include resource efficiency, renewable energy, sustainability finance, and climate governance.
  • CEEW advises the Indian government on various policy matters.