West Bengal Battles Cyclone Remal’s Aftermath: Government Mobilises Amid Election Constraints
Image Source: ETV Bharat
The aftermath of Cyclone Remal has been markedly severe, especially in Gangetic West Bengal and neighbouring Bangladesh. As the cyclone, initially categorised as a severe cyclonic storm, made landfall on Sunday evening, it brought with it devastating winds and relentless rains. The wind speeds, which were forecasted to range between 110 km and 120 km per hour, with gusts up to 135 km per hour, predominantly matched the predictions in Bangladesh but were slightly less in West Bengal, recording 91 km per hour at Dum Dum and 74 km per hour in Kolkata.
The impact of Cyclone Remal has been catastrophic, resulting in the deaths of at least two individuals in West Bengal, while Bangladesh reported at least seven fatalities. The infrastructural damage in West Bengal is extensive, with numerous homes damaged, trees uprooted, and electric poles knocked down, severely disrupting daily life and mobility. The aftermath saw parts of Kolkata submerged under water, with blocked roads making the situation even more challenging for the residents.
In response to the crisis, West Bengal’s government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, took swift action by relocating approximately 160,000 people from coastal areas to safer locations. The Chief Minister has been vocal on social media, highlighting the extensive damages while pointing out that the fatalities were relatively fewer due to proactive measures by the state administration.
Despite the ongoing electoral period, which imposes certain restrictions on administrative actions like compensation distribution, the state’s response was timely and robust, with the Chief Minister assuring that the election code of conduct will not hinder relief and recovery efforts. This proactive approach by the government aims to mitigate the effects of the cyclone and provide necessary support to the affected populations.
In response to the devastation caused by Cyclone Remal, authorities in West Bengal have announced the closure of schools and colleges to ensure the safety of students and staff. The aviation sector also took a hit, with Kolkata airport shutting down for 21 hours, affecting around 325 flights. Operations resumed on Monday morning, signaling a slow return to normalcy. Similarly, the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata, which had suspended its operations, resumed by Monday afternoon, further aiding in the recovery process.
However, the cyclone has also stirred political tensions in the region, particularly with the upcoming final phase of elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticised the state’s decision to relocate people from coastal areas, stirring a debate on the adequacy and appropriateness of such measures in disaster response. On the other hand, Trinamool Congress (TMC) officials, including National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, have been actively involved in monitoring and directing relief efforts, canceling political events to focus on the crisis at hand.
The ongoing political dynamics and the imminent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kolkata are set against the backdrop of a region grappling with the aftermath of a natural disaster. This juxtaposition highlights the complex interplay between governance, electoral politics, and disaster management.
As West Bengal and Bangladesh begin their recovery from Cyclone Remal, the focus remains on relief efforts, political responses, and the resilience of the affected communities. The situation is a stark reminder of the challenges posed by severe weather events, the necessity for effective disaster preparedness and response, and the crucial role of political leadership in navigating through crises.
Team Profile
- Content Editor
- Yangchula Bhutia is a budding journalist currently pursuing her Master's degree in Journalism at Jadavpur University. Her passion lies in environmental issues, and she aspires to make a difference through impactful storytelling focused on environmental challenges and solutions.
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