This vulnerability to cyclones is nothing new for the Bay of Bengal, which holds the dubious distinction of being one of the most cyclone-prone regions globally.

The storm is expected to move northward, intensify further, and make landfall between Sagar Island and Khepupara near Mongla, Bangladesh, by midnight. It is predicted to bring maximum sustained winds of 110-120 kmph, gusting up to 135 kmph. Ahead of cyclone Remal's landfall, heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast for West Bengal, particularly its coastal districts and eastern Gangetic regions, from the afternoon of May 26 to noon on May 27.

Chairing a meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) on Friday, Gauba stressed taking all necessary preventive measures to minimise damage.

Remal marks the first cyclone of the season in the Bay of Bengal and comes amid growing concerns about intensifying weather patterns.

While China maintains these are research vessels, Indian concerns lie in their potential dual-use capability, particularly activities related to tracking ballistic missiles.