South 24 Parganas: The impact of 'Arnab' has started becoming evident in the coastal areas of West Bengal due to the deep depression formed in the Bay of Bengal and the potentially adverse weather conditions brought by it. Although the storm has not yet taken a direct, severe form, the sky over vast areas of South 24 Parganas has been covered with dense black clouds since morning. Continuous heavy rainfall has started in some places, plunging Dinupur and areas adjacent to the Sundarbans into darkness. According to the Meteorological Department's forecast, rainfall is likely to increase significantly in the coastal region of South 24 Parganas over the next few days due to this depression, and the possibility of intensifying gusty winds cannot be ruled out.
Following the forecast of this natural calamity, the administration has issued alerts across the Sundarbans and multiplied surveillance. The administration is continuously warning the general public through public announcements (miking) at river ghats, launch ghats, and other sensitive and crowded areas. In particular, the Maipith Coastal Police Station has issued a strict message to the residents of areas adjacent to the river ghats. Additionally, continuous public announcements have been underway from night till morning at Canning bus stand, one of the gateways to the Sundarbans, to raise awareness among the people.
Special precautionary campaigns have been launched by the administration in tourism and densely populated coastal areas, including the famous pilgrimage site Gangasagar. The state administration has made a humble appeal to the general public not to panic unnecessarily, but rather to remain extra cautious and aware.
Due to heavy rain and the depression, if the speed of gusty winds and the amount of rainfall increase on waterways, ferry services in this riverine region are feared to be severely disrupted. To tackle any potential emergency situation, the administration is maintaining 24-hour round-the-clock surveillance. Specifically, river-crossing passengers, the general public, and fishermen heading out to the deep sea or rivers for fishing have been advised to remain fully informed about the current weather conditions and not to venture into the rivers or sea until further notice. All departmental officials are on high alert to ensure coastal security.
