The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and lightning across West Bengal, effective until May 28. The warning comes as a low-pressure system intensifies over the Bay of Bengal, threatening coastal districts like Kolkata, Howrah, and South 24 Parganas with gusts up to 60 km/h and waterlogging risks.
West Bengal on High Alert as IMD Warns of Severe Thunderstorms
The alert follows landslides in North Sikkim, where hundreds of tourists remain stranded after roads linking Lachen and Lachung were damaged. Authorities have halted new travel permits and urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel.
What Does a Yellow Alert Mean?
A yellow alert signals moderate to severe weather that could disrupt daily life. For West Bengal, this includes:
- Heavy rain (7–11 cm) in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Murshidabad.
- Lightning strikes, with 40–50 km/h winds (spiking to 60 km/h in coastal zones).
- Waterlogging in low-lying areas like Kolkata’s flood-prone neighborhoods.
Key Fact: Lightning kills 20–30 people annually in the U.S. alone and injures hundreds more—most strikes occur before or after peak storm activity.
Ground Impact: Floods, Stranded Tourists, and Urban Chaos
1. North Bengal & Sikkim: Landslides Block Key Roads
- The Dzungur alternate route in Sikkim is severely damaged, worsening rescue efforts.
- Disaster teams are clearing debris, but repairs could take days.
2. Kolkata & Coastal Zones: Waterlogging Looms
- Kolkata’s drainage system, already strained, may fail under 40+ mm of rainfall (similar to Bengaluru’s recent floods).
- Emergency pumps were deployed in Howrah and South 24 Parganas to mitigate flooding.
3. Rural Risks: Lightning & Crop Damage
- Farmers in Purulia and Bankura warned to delay harvests—lightning poses deadly risks in open fields.
- Fishermen were advised to avoid the Bay of Bengal until May 28.
Safety Guide: How to Protect Yourself
1. During Thunderstorms
- “When thunder roars, go indoors!” Seek shelter in a sturdy building or a metal-roofed car (not convertibles).
- Avoid:
- Open fields, tall trees, and water bodies (lightning strikes up to 25 miles away from storms).
- Lightning conducts through wires and pipes for corded phones, plumbing, and windows.
2. Flood Preparedness
- Evacuate if water rises rapidly. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down; 1 foot can sweep away cars.
- Pack an emergency kit: Flashlight, medicines, and charged power banks (outages likely).
- Kolkata’s drainage upgrades (post-2021 Cyclone Yaas) are incomplete—citizens report clogged drains.
- Community drills in Darjeeling teach landslide evacuation routes.
Why This Storm Matters: Climate Change Link
Research shows the Bay of Bengal’s monsoon patterns are becoming more extreme, reducing marine food supplies by 50% during intense rainfall. This week, similar stratification (freshwater blocking nutrients) is predicted, threatening coastal fisheries.
Expert Quote:
“Future monsoons will see wilder swings—floods today, droughts tomorrow. Bengal’s infrastructure isn’t ready.” — Dr. Kaustubh Thirumalai, University of Arizona.
What’s Next?
- IMD forecasts rain peaking May 27–28 as the low-pressure system strengthens.
- Kolkata’s emergency control rooms are operational (dial 1070 for help).
Final Advice:
“Check weather.gov or the mausam app hourly. If you’re outdoors, act at the first thunderclap—delay = danger.” — IMD Spokesperson.
