Cyclone Rumela, which emerged in the Bay of Bengal, made a significant impact on the state of West Bengal as it made landfall on the night of May 26, 2024. The storm, categorized as a severe cyclonic storm, brought with it destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and widespread disruptions, affecting millions in the state.
Meteorological Development and Path
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) closely monitored the development of Cyclone Rumela, issuing timely warnings and alerts to mitigate potential damage. The cyclone formed as a low-pressure system in the central Bay of Bengal, which intensified over a few days. By the evening of May 25, it had developed into a severe cyclonic storm, with wind speeds reaching 110-120 km/h and gusts up to 135 km/h as it approached the coast (India Today) (Hindustan Times).
Immediate Effects of the Cyclone
As Cyclone Rumela made landfall, it brought torrential rains and strong winds, significantly impacting the coastal and inland districts of West Bengal. The districts of North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, and Purba Medinipur were among the hardest hit. The cyclone caused substantial damage to infrastructure, including uprooting trees, toppling electric poles, and damaging buildings. Power outages were widespread, with rural and coastal areas bearing the brunt of the storm (India Today) (Zee News).
Flooding and Rainfall
The heavy rainfall associated with Cyclone Rumela led to severe waterlogging and flooding in many areas. Kolkata, Howrah, Nadia, and Jhargram experienced moderate to heavy rains, causing significant disruptions to daily life. Streets were inundated, and transportation services were halted, further complicating the situation for residents and emergency responders (Hindustan Times) (Zee News).
Preparedness and Response
Authorities in West Bengal took extensive measures to prepare for the cyclone. Evacuations were carried out in vulnerable coastal areas to ensure the safety of residents. Temporary shelters were established to house those displaced by the storm. The state government coordinated with the Indian Coast Guard and disaster management teams to respond to emergencies and provide relief to affected populations (India Today) (Zee News).
Additionally, the cyclone's timing coincided with the polling for eight Lok Sabha seats in the state, prompting the Election Commission to implement special measures to ensure the safety of voters and the smooth conduct of the elections. Precautionary steps were taken at polling stations, and additional personnel were deployed to handle any potential disruptions (India Today).
Long-term Impact and Recovery
The aftermath of Cyclone Rumela revealed significant agricultural losses, infrastructure damage, and economic disruptions. The state government, along with various aid organizations, initiated relief and rehabilitation efforts to support those affected. Financial assistance, resources, and manpower are being mobilized to rebuild damaged infrastructure and restore normalcy to the impacted regions (Hindustan Times) (Zee News).
