The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of extremely heavy rainfall over Assam and other northeastern states on May 27 and 28 due to Cyclone Remal.
The storm has made its landfall in West Bengal and Bangladesh on Monday and is moving northwards to the northeastern part of the Indian mainland.
Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura have issued alerts following the IMD’s warning about heavy rains and squalls.
In Assam, an orange alert has been issued for Dhubri, South Salmara, Bongaigaon, Bajali, Tamulpur, Barpeta, Nalbari, Morigaon, Nagaon, Hojai, and West Karbi Anglong districts.
Red alerts for extremely heavy rainfall have been issued for Chirang, Goalpara, Baksa, Dima Hasao, Cachar, Hailakandi, and Karimganj districts.
Squally winds of 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, are expected over South Assam and Meghalaya throughout the day.
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has ramped up preparations in collaboration with various departments, agencies, and district administrations.
A statement from the Assam government indicated that district units have been directed to review the situation.
“Rainfall was reported from various parts of the state. As per MET's prediction, the low-intensity rainfall may turn to high intensity in the afternoon. We are ready to meet any eventuality,” an official of the state Disaster Managmenet Authority said. Chief Minister Manik Saha urged people to remain vigilant.
The plying of boats on the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries may be regulated on May 27 and 28, especially in Dhubri, Goalpara, South Salmara, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, and the Barak and Kusiara rivers in the Barak valley.
Meghalaya and Tripura have issued similar safety directives to their residents in anticipation of Remal’s impact. The IMD has issued a red alert in two Tripura districts - Sepahijala and Gumati - in view of the possible impact of cyclone Remal, an official said on Monday.
An orange alert has also been sounded in the remaining six districts of the northeastern state which is likely to witness heavy rain and gusty winds as a result of the cyclone.
Meanwhile, Assam experienced light rains on Monday morning, providing relief after three days of sweltering heat.
Several districts recorded temperatures between 39 to 43 degrees Celsius over the weekend.
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