Remal' leaves trail of destruction

At least six people died in Bengal and its coastal areas suffered extensive damage to infrastructure and property, as Cyclone 'Remal' left a trail of devastation through the state.

Expressing her concern over the impact of cyclone while addressing an election rally in Burrabazar on Monday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee assured that her government would extend all help to the affected.

Mamata said that the prompt response of the administration checked the number of casualties. She said that might be holding an election rally but her heart lied with the affected people. She further stated that her mind was filled with thoughts of providing cyclone relief and help to the affected people, asserting that her administration is taking all necessary steps to alleviate people's sufferings and that she is continuously monitoring the situation.

Cyclone 'Remal' made a landfall late on Sunday night unleashing winds up to 135 kmph. Roofs of thatched huts were blown away in the coastal areas, uprooted trees blocked roads in Kolkata as well as in the districts. Electricity poles were knocked down causing significant power disruption in several parts.

In a post on X, Banerjee said: “Bengal is a land of rivers and situated at the coast of Bayof-Bengal. Hence it faces natural calamities almost every year. A huge damage to the property has taken place due to the cyclone. Loss of human lives was checked due to the alertness of the administration.”