Kolkata: As Cyclone Sitarang is moving towards West Bengal, the Sundarbans region in the coastal region of South 24 Parganas and North 24 Parganas has been identified as “Vulnerable for Destruction”. During Cyclone Amphan in May 2020, Cyclone Yas in May 2021, as well as in May 2009 (Cyclone Aila), the Sundarbans were severely affected. According to the IMD office in Kolkata, Sitarang is currently 380 km from Sagar Island – the point of confluence of the Ganges River and the Bay of Bengal.
There is a possibility of making landfall in the middle of the cyclone Tincona Island and Sandwich Tuesday morning in Bangladesh.
Coastal districts of West Bengal like South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas and East Midnapore are likely to receive strong wind and heavy rain from late Monday evening. The wind speed is likely to be between 70-80 kmph in these coastal districts.
Light to moderate rain is also expected in the Gangetic areas of Howrah, Hooghly, Nadia and Murshidabad. However, according to the IMD office, the impact will be negligible in the state capital Kolkata, where there may be scattered rain under the influence of the cyclone. The situation is expected to improve gradually.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata BanerjeeDuring Cyclone Yas and Cyclone Amphan, she stayed overnight at her office in the state secretariat of Nabanna and monitored the entire situation from a control room there. However, this time around, she will be staying at her home in south Kolkata’s Kalighat area due to the annual Kali Puja ritual at her residence.
Officials said the chief minister would monitor the situation from her home, apart from holding talks with the state administration and issuing necessary instructions.
An Integrated Control Room has already been opened at Nabanna, which will be manned by six IAS officers of the rank of Secretary.
Six most vulnerable districts have been identified. In addition, the concerned District Magistrate of the districts, a Secretary level officer will be in-charge of each district to coordinate with the Chief Minister.