New Delhi. Cyclone Ramal is hitting the coastal areas of Bangladesh and West Bengal, forcing more than 1 lakh people to be evacuated to safer places. In India too, the central government is on high alert, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling a review meeting on Sunday, May 26, 2024, to assess preparations for the cyclone. At the meeting, Prime Minister Modi directed that, in addition to the 12 NDRF teams already deployed in West Bengal and one in Odisha, additional teams should be kept on standby, ready to mobilize within an hour. The PM also stressed the importance of monitoring and restoring services after the cyclone, directing the Home Ministry to monitor the situation and provide necessary assistance.
In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi said, “Reviewed the preparedness in the wake of cyclone Remal. Assessed disaster management infrastructure and related aspects. Praying for everyone’s safety and well-being.”
Reviewed the preparedness in the wake of Cyclone Remal. Took stock of the disaster management infrastructure and other related aspects. I pray for everyone’s safety and well being. pic.twitter.com/JW4iybKS5g
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 26, 2024
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Modi was informed that the National Crisis Management Committee is in constant touch with the West Bengal government. He stressed the importance of strict monitoring of ports, railways and highways to prevent any untoward incident. Additionally, airports are being closely monitored. The high-level meeting chaired by the Prime Minister was attended by his Principal Secretary, Cabinet Secretary, Home Secretary, Director General of NDRF, Director General of India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Member Secretary of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
In anticipation of the cyclone, the Eastern and Southeastern Railways have cancelled several train services in the coastal districts of South and North 24 Parganas and East Medinipur. Kolkata airport authorities have also decided to suspend flight operations for 21 hours from Sunday due to the possible impact of cyclone Ramal. A spokesperson of the Airports Authority of India said a total of 394 flights, both international and domestic, will be affected by this suspension.