Cyclone Remal: Assessing the Impact of Severe Cyclonic Storms on Coastal Resilience

Cyclone Remal, the first pre-monsoon cyclone of 2024 in the Bay of Bengal, recently made landfall between Sagar Island in West Bengal and Khepupara in Bangladesh. Classified as a 'Severe Cyclonic Storm' by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), it brought sustained wind speeds of 110-120 kmph, highlighting the persistent vulnerability of the eastern coastline to extreme geophysical phenomena. The Bay of Bengal has historically been a hotbed for tropical cyclones due to its high sea-surface temperatures and unique concave shape. However, recent trends indicate a shift in the intensity and frequency of these storms. Rapid intensification—a phenomenon where a cyclone's wind speed increases significantly within a short period—is becoming more common due to rising ocean temperatures. This poses a significant challenge for disaster management agencies in terms of precise prediction and evacuation timelines.