Kolkata: 1.10 lakh people have been shifted to safer places in West Bengal due to rains ahead of Cyclone Rimal. There is a warning that the cyclone will hit the coast from early Monday morning. Wind speed of 110-120 kmph is predicted to reach the coast between Sagar Island in West Bengal and Khepupara in Bangladesh. There is a warning that this can be up to 135 km.
There will be heavy rains along the coast of West Bengal. The meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the relief work. Flight services at the Kolkata airport were suspended overnight. 394 services have been affected both domestically and internationally.
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose said that the situation is being monitored. West Bengal Minister Akhil Giri said that the experience of dealing with cyclones Umphan and Yas has helped in making arrangements.
The rains that started yesterday in Digha, Kakadweep and Jayanagar are expected to intensify. Strong winds are blowing in Kolkata, Howrah, East Medinipur and Hooghly.