‘Kalbaishakhi’ Warning; Orange Alert for South Bengal

KOLKATA: The Regional Meteorological Centre in Alipore has issued an Orange Alert for Kolkata and adjoining districts for the next 48 hours. A powerful “Kalbaishakhi” (Nor’wester) is brewing over the Chota Nagpur plateau and is expected to strike the city today between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Meteorologists have warned of squalls with wind speeds reaching 60-70 kmph, accompanied by heavy rain and frequent lightning.

The city administration has put the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and CESC on high alert to handle potential waterlogging and power outages. With the mercury touching 38°C during the day, the atmospheric instability is at its peak.

Citizens have been advised to stay indoors during the storm and avoid taking shelter under trees or old structures, which are prone to collapsing during high-velocity winds.