As Cyclone Remal bears down on the Indian coast, Tripura braces for heavy rainfall and strong winds starting tonight, May 26, and continuing through May 29.
In view of the impending storm, all the flights in Kolkata-Agartala route have cancelled till May 27 morning. Besides, Anganwadi centres and educational institutions shall remain closed on May 27-28.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts landfall for Remal around 11 pm tonight in West Bengal, bringing its influence to Tripura in the form of isolated heavy downpours and gusty winds.
**Flight Cancellations and Travel Updates:**
* All flights from Kolkata to Agartala are cancelled until 9 am on May 27th. Airlines are contacting passengers directly.
* Flights from Delhi, Bangalore, and Guwahati remain operational for now. Travelers are advised to check for updates with their respective airlines or visit the Airport Authority of India, Agartala website for the latest information.
The Tripura government has been working diligently since receiving the initial IMD bulletin and NDMA advisory on May 24th. The Revenue Department has issued advisories to district officials, urging them to implement necessary preparatory measures to minimize the cyclone’s impact.
* A 24/7 Emergency Operation Center (EOC) is functioning at both the state and district levels.
* An urgent meeting of the State Executive Committee (SEC) was held this morning, May 26th, chaired by the Chief Secretary. The meeting included key officials like the DGP, PCCF, departmental secretaries, and representatives from IMD, Airport Authority, NDRF, and other relevant agencies.
Key Decisions by the State Executive Committee:
* Schools, educational institutions, and Anganwadi centers will be closed on May 27th and 28th.
* The Transport Department will coordinate with Railways, Airport Authority, and Road Transport authorities to ensure public safety. Any cancellations of flights, trains, or other public transport will be communicated to the public.
* One NDRF team will be deployed to Santirbazar in South Tripura to assist South Tripura and Gomati districts. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are also on standby for any emergencies.
* The Food Department will ensure the availability of essential supplies and food items.
* The Fishery Department has issued warnings to fishermen, urging them to avoid lakes, rivers, and reservoirs for fishing activities from May 26th to 28th.
The Tripura government urges all citizens to remain calm and assured. The state is well-prepared to manage the impact of Cyclone Remal effectively. Residents are advised to follow official instructions and stay updated with weather alerts.
(Tripura, Tripura News)