Cyclone Fani LIVE UPDATES: Storm moving towards Bangladesh, no major impact in WB; UN praises India on minimising loss of life
Cyclone Fani LIVE UPDATES:People of West Bengal heaved a sigh of relief as severe cyclonic storm Fani weakened on Saturday morning and was moving towards neighbouring Bangladesh, a senior official of the regional meteorological centre said.
Meanwhile, the UN agency for disaster reduction has commended the Indian Meteorological Department's "almost pinpoint accuracy" of early warnings that helped authorities conduct a well-targeted evacuation plan and minimise the loss of life as extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani made landfall near the coastal city of Puri.
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ABP News Bureau
Last Updated:
04 May 2019 01:49 PM
Air India has announced Additional flight for Passengers stranded due to Cyclone Storm Fani.
Air India has announced Additional flight for Passengers stranded due to Cyclone Storm Fani.
Air India has announced Additional flight for Passengers stranded due to Cyclone Storm Fani.
Cyclone Fani damage in pictures!
DIG Operations of NDRF, Randeep Kumar Rana on Cyclone Fani's impact in West Bengal.
DIG Operations of NDRF, Randeep Kumar Rana on Cyclone Fani's impact in West Bengal.
Cyclone Fani may hit NEET 2019 too. READ TO KNOW MORE.
The West Bengal government had taken precautionary measures in East and West Midnapore, North and South 24 Pargana districts, besides Howrah, Hooghly, Jhargram, Kolkata and the Sundarbans.
The cyclone barrelled through Odisha on Friday, unleashing copious rain and windstorm that gusted up to 175 kmph, killing at least eight people, blowing away thatched houses and swamping towns and villages.
The cyclone barrelled through Odisha on Friday, unleashing copious rain and windstorm that gusted up to 175 kmph, killing at least eight people, blowing away thatched houses and swamping towns and villages.
Cyclone Fani is now moving towards Bangladesh, while, people of West Bengal heaved a sigh of relief as severe cyclonic storm Fani weakened on Saturday morning.
The city witnessed wind speeds of 30-40 kmph with moderate to heavy rainfall overnight. There was no report of any casualty or major damage in the districts through which the cyclone passed, according to a senior official of the regional meteorological centre.
The city witnessed wind speeds of 30-40 kmph with moderate to heavy rainfall overnight. There was no report of any casualty or major damage in the districts through which the cyclone passed, according to a senior official of the regional meteorological centre.
UN agency praises India on minimising loss of life from Cyclone Fani
The UN agency for disaster reduction has commended the Indian Meteorological Department's 'almost pinpoint accuracy' of early warnings that helped authorities conduct a well-targeted evacuation plan and minimise the loss of life as extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani made landfall near the coastal city of Puri.
The UN agency for disaster reduction has commended the Indian Meteorological Department's 'almost pinpoint accuracy' of early warnings that helped authorities conduct a well-targeted evacuation plan and minimise the loss of life as extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani made landfall near the coastal city of Puri.
At present, the cyclone, which is situated at Shantipur in Nadia district about 60 km north of Kolkata, is likely to enter Bangaldesh around Saturday noon.
Trees were uprooted in the coastal cities in the state and a few places in Kolkata as the cyclone entered Bengal post-midnight hours after making landfall and causing havoc in Odisha on Friday.
No loss of life or any injury has been reported so far.
Trees were uprooted in the coastal cities in the state and a few places in Kolkata as the cyclone entered Bengal post-midnight hours after making landfall and causing havoc in Odisha on Friday.
No loss of life or any injury has been reported so far.
Flight operations resumes at Kolkata Airport.
• Air India AI 743 to Agartala is the first departure from Kolkata at 0957 hrs.
• G8 101 DEL CCU is the first flight to land into Kolkata at around 1010 hrs
• Air India AI 743 to Agartala is the first departure from Kolkata at 0957 hrs.
• G8 101 DEL CCU is the first flight to land into Kolkata at around 1010 hrs
Several districts of West Bengal, including East and West Midnapore, North and South 24 Pargana, besides Howrah, Hooghly, Jhargram, Kolkata and the Sundarbans are likely to be hit by the storm that would then move towards Bangladesh and taper off.
PM Narendra Modi said he will be going to Odisha day after tomorrow, on 6th morning, to take stock of the situation arising in the wake of Cyclone Fani.
According to the Meteorological department, the extremely severe cyclonic storm relatively weakened after entering coastal Odisha and transformed into 'very severe' as it approached Bengal.
Regional Meteorological Centre's Deputy Director General Sanjib Bandyopadhyay said, 'The severe cyclonic storm Fani entered Bengal at 12.30 a.m. through Odisha's Balasore. It crossed Kharagpur packing a wind of 70-80 kmph, gusting to 90 kmph.'
Regional Meteorological Centre's Deputy Director General Sanjib Bandyopadhyay said, 'The severe cyclonic storm Fani entered Bengal at 12.30 a.m. through Odisha's Balasore. It crossed Kharagpur packing a wind of 70-80 kmph, gusting to 90 kmph.'
IMD: Severe Cyclone Fani weakened into a cyclonic storm and lay centered at 60 km NW of Kolkata at 0530 IST of 4th May. To weaken into Deep Depression and move into Bangladesh by noon.
IMD: Severe Cyclone Fani weakened into a cyclonic storm and lay centered at 60 km NW of Kolkata at 0530 IST of 4th May. To weaken into Deep Depression and move into Bangladesh by noon.
West Bengal: Clearing of uprooted trees from the road underway in Digha, weather clear.
West Bengal: Clearing of uprooted trees from the road underway in Digha, weather clear.
Narendra Modi took to Twitter and said, 'Spoke to Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Ji and discussed the situation prevailing due to Cyclone Fani. Assured continuous support from the Central Government in the wake of the cyclone. The entire nation stands in solidarity with all those affected by the cyclone in different parts.'
Narendra Modi took to Twitter and said, 'Spoke to Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Ji and discussed the situation prevailing due to Cyclone Fani. Assured continuous support from the Central Government in the wake of the cyclone. The entire nation stands in solidarity with all those affected by the cyclone in different parts.'
The cyclone Fani will hit Bangladesh around 12 noon, confirms Sanjiv Bandopadhyay, Director, Alipore Met Office, Kolkata. Fani is now situated at Shantipur.
'There is no concern for West Bengal. We need to evaluate out system. There is some mistaken about wind speed,' official further said.
'There is no concern for West Bengal. We need to evaluate out system. There is some mistaken about wind speed,' official further said.
Cyclone Fani hit West Bengal by crossing Kharagpur earlier today.
Fani route map:
Kharagpur - Arambagh - East Bardhaman - Nadia - Murshidabad - Bangladesh.
Fani route map:
Kharagpur - Arambagh - East Bardhaman - Nadia - Murshidabad - Bangladesh.
Late on Friday, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik chaired a review meeting with the chief secretary as well as senior officers of the state.
Patnaik, while briefing media after the meeting, said over 12 lakh people had been evacuated in 24 hours to safer locations in the state.
He also mentioned that officials would take stock of the situation at length once the cyclonic storm crosses Odisha.
Patnaik, while briefing media after the meeting, said over 12 lakh people had been evacuated in 24 hours to safer locations in the state.
He also mentioned that officials would take stock of the situation at length once the cyclonic storm crosses Odisha.
Ships and Helicopter deployed off Odisha Coast
Ships and Helicopter deployed off Odisha Coast
Rain lashes Kolkata
Rain lashes Kolkata
Heavy rains along with a wind speed of 175 kmph battered Odisha as cyclone Fani made landfall close to the temple town of Puri on Friday morning, leaving a trail of destruction in the state. The impact of the 'extremely severe cyclonic storm' was felt in neighbouring West Bengal including in the beach town of Digha and other areas.
Flight and train services
• Kolkata Airport will reopen for flight services from 8 am today.
• While Bhubaneshwar Airport will reopen for commercial flight from 1 pm.
• As of now Train services to Puri and Bhubaneshwar will remain suspended.
• Kolkata Airport will reopen for flight services from 8 am today.
• While Bhubaneshwar Airport will reopen for commercial flight from 1 pm.
• As of now Train services to Puri and Bhubaneshwar will remain suspended.
The administration has switched off electricity to prevent any accident as the storm passed through a particular point in the state.
In the sea resort of Digha, the win speed reached 70 kmph in some areas, in Frazerganj the wind velocity was between 60 and 70 kmph. Kharagpur has so far recorded 95 mm rainfall, which will continue for the next two to three hours.
Cyclone Fani hit West Bengal by crossing Kharagpur earlier today.
Cyclone Fani hit West Bengal by crossing Kharagpur earlier today.
Parts of Kolkata and the suburbs also received moderate to heavy rainfall since Friday afternoon. The epicentre of the storm is expected to hit the city in the early hours on Saturday.The rains would continue till early Saturday.
Cyclone Fani hits West Bengal-
Fani lashed cities and towns in coastal Bengal including Digha, Mandarmani, Tajpur, Sandehskhali and Contai while the effects of the storm could also be felt in cities like Kharagpur and Burdwan as trees were uprooted and metal hoardings gave way.
Fani lashed cities and towns in coastal Bengal including Digha, Mandarmani, Tajpur, Sandehskhali and Contai while the effects of the storm could also be felt in cities like Kharagpur and Burdwan as trees were uprooted and metal hoardings gave way.
The storm is now lying close to Arambagh in Hooghly district, and is 40 km west of Kolkata.
Cyclone Fani makes landfall in West Bengal-Cyclonic storm Fani, which wreaked havoc in Odisha yesterday, has made landfall in West Bengal, India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday.
One of the strongest storms to batter the Indian subcontinent in decades, Cyclone Fani uprooted trees and triggered rains as it entered West Bengal post midnight on Saturday.
No loss of life or any injury has been reported so far.
One of the strongest storms to batter the Indian subcontinent in decades, Cyclone Fani uprooted trees and triggered rains as it entered West Bengal post midnight on Saturday.
No loss of life or any injury has been reported so far.
Cyclone Fani makes landfall in West Bengal-Cyclonic storm Fani, which wreaked havoc in Odisha yesterday, has made landfall in West Bengal, India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday.
One of the strongest storms to batter the Indian subcontinent in decades, Cyclone Fani uprooted trees and triggered rains as it entered West Bengal post midnight on Saturday.
No loss of life or any injury has been reported so far.
One of the strongest storms to batter the Indian subcontinent in decades, Cyclone Fani uprooted trees and triggered rains as it entered West Bengal post midnight on Saturday.
No loss of life or any injury has been reported so far.
Cyclone Fani makes landfall in West Bengal-Cyclonic storm Fani, which wreaked havoc in Odisha yesterday, has made landfall in West Bengal, India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday.
One of the strongest storms to batter the Indian subcontinent in decades, Cyclone Fani uprooted trees and triggered rains as it entered West Bengal post midnight on Saturday.
No loss of life or any injury has been reported so far.
One of the strongest storms to batter the Indian subcontinent in decades, Cyclone Fani uprooted trees and triggered rains as it entered West Bengal post midnight on Saturday.
No loss of life or any injury has been reported so far.
Indian meteorogical dept forecast for Cyclone Fani says that the severe cyclonic storm is likely to continue to move north/north eastwards and weaken further into a cyclonic storm during next 12 hours
Equipment at Bhubaneswar airport have been significantly damaged but flight operations are expected to begin by 1 pm Saturday, the civil aviation ministry said in a statement Friday.
The statement said - The passenger terminal building at Bhubaneswar has been considerably damaged, particularly at the rooftop and facades... Based on the feedback and action taken, it was decided that Bhubaneswar will resume commercial flight operations with effect from 1300 IST on May 4, 2019.
As the rooftop of the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower has been blown away, affecting very high frequency (VHF) antennas at the rooftop, the ministry said that alternate ATC arrangements have been made at the airport.
The statement said - The passenger terminal building at Bhubaneswar has been considerably damaged, particularly at the rooftop and facades... Based on the feedback and action taken, it was decided that Bhubaneswar will resume commercial flight operations with effect from 1300 IST on May 4, 2019.
As the rooftop of the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower has been blown away, affecting very high frequency (VHF) antennas at the rooftop, the ministry said that alternate ATC arrangements have been made at the airport.
Equipment at Bhubaneswar airport have been significantly damaged but flight operations are expected to begin by 1 pm Saturday, the civil aviation ministry said in a statement Friday.
The statement said - The passenger terminal building at Bhubaneswar has been considerably damaged, particularly at the rooftop and facades... Based on the feedback and action taken, it was decided that Bhubaneswar will resume commercial flight operations with effect from 1300 IST on May 4, 2019.
As the rooftop of the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower has been blown away, affecting very high frequency (VHF) antennas at the rooftop, the ministry said that alternate ATC arrangements have been made at the airport.
The statement said - The passenger terminal building at Bhubaneswar has been considerably damaged, particularly at the rooftop and facades... Based on the feedback and action taken, it was decided that Bhubaneswar will resume commercial flight operations with effect from 1300 IST on May 4, 2019.
As the rooftop of the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower has been blown away, affecting very high frequency (VHF) antennas at the rooftop, the ministry said that alternate ATC arrangements have been made at the airport.
As cyclone 'Fani' is expected to trigger heavy rains in the northeast after hitting West Bengal, the Assam government Friday directed all district deputy commissioners and agencies concerned to be on alert and take necessary measures to deal with the situation. The Central Water Commission, in a bulletin, has forecast high rainfall in west and central Assam districts on May 4 and 5.
According to a release by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), state disaster response force (SDRF) personnel have been deployed in 40 locations across the state. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have reached for pre-positioning in Cachar, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Sonitpur, Tinsukia and Jorhat districts. Dhemaji district and Patgaon in Guwahati each already have an NDRF battalion stationed there.
According to a release by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), state disaster response force (SDRF) personnel have been deployed in 40 locations across the state. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have reached for pre-positioning in Cachar, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Sonitpur, Tinsukia and Jorhat districts. Dhemaji district and Patgaon in Guwahati each already have an NDRF battalion stationed there.
IMD says in West Bengal, light to moderate rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places and extremely heavy falls at isolated places very likely over coastal & adjoining districts of West Bengal on 3rd; and heavy to very heavy falls at isolated places over Gangetic West Bengal on 4th May. Light to moderate rainfall at most places with heavy falls at isolated places over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim on 4th May.
IMD's latest press release says -The cyclone is very likely to continue to move north-northeastwards and weaken further into a severe cyclonic storm during next nine hours. It is very likely to emerge into Gangetic West Bengal as a severe cyclonic storm with wind speed of 90-100 kmph gusting to 115 kmph by early morning of 4 th May. It is very likely to move further north-northeastwards and emerge into Bangladesh on 4 th May evening as a cyclonic storm with wind speed 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph.
As Cyclone Fani moves towards West Bengal, heavy rain begins in Kolkata.
As Cyclone Fani moves towards West Bengal, heavy rain begins in Kolkata.
Extensive devastation observed around Puri: The Naval Dornier Aircraft deployed to carry out an aerial survey of Odisha to assess the impact of the Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘FANI’ crossing coast near Puri, observed extensive devastation to vegetation in many places around Puri.
A large number of trees and electric poles were found uprooted creating roadblocks in the city limits of Puri. Roof top of Puri Railway Station was found to be blown off. Large scale water inundation was observed in many, particularly in low lying areas between Puri and Chilka Lake.
The Dornier crew observed very strong winds of nearly 50 knots during the sortie. The footage of the aerial survey is being shared with the State Administration officials for planning relief and rehabilitation activities.
A large number of trees and electric poles were found uprooted creating roadblocks in the city limits of Puri. Roof top of Puri Railway Station was found to be blown off. Large scale water inundation was observed in many, particularly in low lying areas between Puri and Chilka Lake.
The Dornier crew observed very strong winds of nearly 50 knots during the sortie. The footage of the aerial survey is being shared with the State Administration officials for planning relief and rehabilitation activities.
Justin Trudeau tweets- Cyclone Fani is causing devastating destruction in India and Bangladesh. Canadians are thinking of everyone who is affected, and hoping for their safety. We’re ready to provide support if needed.
Justin Trudeau tweets- Cyclone Fani is causing devastating destruction in India and Bangladesh. Canadians are thinking of everyone who is affected, and hoping for their safety. We’re ready to provide support if needed.
According to PTI, the death toll due to Cyclone Fani in Odisha rises to eight. Three people, including a teenage boy, were reported killed in Puri district. Three died in Bhubaneswar and nearby areas. Flying debris from a concrete structure fatally struck a woman in Nayagarh. An elderly woman died of heart attack at a relief shelter in Kendrapara district.
Department of Telecommunications reviewed telecom position with four telecom service providers. It is said that Andhra network should be fully functional by tomorrow morning. Odisha’s Puri and Bhubaneswar network were extensively damaged and restoration work has started. Problem being faced of continues rainfall, high speed wind and water logging .No electricity in Puri and Bhuvneshwar . Free SMS already implemented. Free interconnect between Airtel ,voda idea BSNL and Jio implemented so that calls possible on whichever network available. Control rooms in place and fully functional where 1938 helpline has 16 lines with hunting facility.
The public meetings to be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah have been postponed by a day in view of the possible devastation by severe cyclonic storm Fani, which may strike Bengal at around midnight on May 3. The cyclonic storm, currently passing through Odisha about 340 km southwest of Kolkata, has triggered intense rainfall and winds in West Bengal destroying 50 houses in East Midnapore district.
The public meetings to be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah have been postponed by a day in view of the possible devastation by severe cyclonic storm Fani, which may strike Bengal at around midnight on May 3. The cyclonic storm, currently passing through Odisha about 340 km southwest of Kolkata, has triggered intense rainfall and winds in West Bengal destroying 50 houses in East Midnapore district.
The public meetings to be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah have been postponed by a day in view of the possible devastation by severe cyclonic storm Fani, which may strike Bengal at around midnight on May 3. The cyclonic storm, currently passing through Odisha about 340 km southwest of Kolkata, has triggered intense rainfall and winds in West Bengal destroying 50 houses in East Midnapore district.
The Election Commission of India, in response to a letter written by the state Chief Electoral Officer Gopal Krishna Dwivedi, relaxed the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam and East Godavari districts in view of the cyclone threat. The exemption granted by the ECI was to take necessary relief measures in view of Fani.
Rains lashed parts of Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh as a fall out of Cyclone 'Fani', which hit the Odisha coast Friday, but no human casualties have been reported. Nine head of cattle and 12 sheep were killed in rain-related incidents, while over 2,000 electricity poles were uprooted because of high velocity winds and 218 cellular phone towers damaged.
Rains lashed parts of Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh as a fall out of Cyclone 'Fani', which hit the Odisha coast Friday, but no human casualties have been reported. Nine head of cattle and 12 sheep were killed in rain-related incidents, while over 2,000 electricity poles were uprooted because of high velocity winds and 218 cellular phone towers damaged.
In addition at Silchar Kumbhigram medium lift helicopters have been kept standby for thE phase when the storm would start to affect the states of Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland. The operations centre would be established in either Odisha or WB depending on the situation as it unfolds. Operations are being supervised by Air Mshl Sandeep Singh , SASO HQ EAC
HQ EAC (Eastern Air Command) has sized up the situation in conjunction with Air HQ. Six light helicopters with winch for rescue work, five medium lift helicopters for deploying the relief material abd four AN 32 aircraft have been kept ready with medical relief teams for ferrying relief material, medical help and NDRF teams with equipment. Helicopters have been kept ready at Bagdogra and Purnea for quick deployment in Odisha and West Bengal.
HQ EAC (Eastern Air Command) has sized up the situation in conjunction with Air HQ. Six light helicopters with winch for rescue work, five medium lift helicopters for deploying the relief material abd four AN 32 aircraft have been kept ready with medical relief teams for ferrying relief material, medical help and NDRF teams with equipment. Helicopters have been kept ready at Bagdogra and Purnea for quick deployment in Odisha and West Bengal.
Indian Railways have permitted free transportation of relief material for West Bengal, Odisha and Andra Pradesh affected by Cyclone Fani.
As per telephonic information, in Puri, extensive damage to kuchha houses, old buildings and temporary shops. No confirmed report of deaths, but 160 reportedly injured. Power and telecom is completely down. NDRF and State forces are clearing roads: Govt of India Spokesperson
Cyclone Fani is also very likely to emerge into Gangetic West Bengal as a severe cyclonic storm with wind speed of 90-100 kmph gusting to 115 kmph by early morning of 4th May, NDMA said.
According to NDMA, cyclone Fani is very likely to continue to move north-northeastwards and weaken further into a severe cyclonic storm during next nine hours.
Cyclone Fani will alter the weather conditions in Nepal and bring heavy rainfall and snowfall in the Himalayas, meteorologists warned on Friday. Although the cyclone is not likely to make its way to Nepal, light to moderate rainfall coupled with lightning and windstorm will occur in some parts of eastern and central regions on Friday and Saturday.
In addition to the 157 trains that have already been cancelled, East Coast Railway cancelled another 19 trains in view of Cyclone Fani.
Cyclone Fani has weakened to a ‘very severe cyclonic storm’ and is now 200 kilometres southwest from the coastal area of Digha in East Midnapore district and 340 kilometres southwest of Kolkata: Sanjeev Bandhopadhyay, Deputy DGM, Indian Meteorological Department
As per recent update, Bhubaneswar reported maximum sustained wind speed of 98 kmph southwesterly wind at 1430 hrs ist of today. and rainfall of 13.9 cm during the past 6 hours.
The very severe cyclonic storm FANI moved slightly northwards and lay centered at 1430 hours IST of today, 03rd May, 2019 near LAT. 20.50n and LONG. 86.00e over coastal Odisha about 25 km to the northeast of Bhubaneswar and close to Cuttack: PIB India
While a teenage boy was killed when a tree collapsed on him in Puri, flying debris from a concrete structure left a woman dead in Nayagarh. An elderly woman died of heart attack at a relief shelter in Kendrapara district.
Cyclone 'Fani' rolled through Odisha on Friday, packing rain and windstorm that gusted up to 175 kmph, leaving at least three people dead, blowing away thatched houses, and swamping towns and
villages.
villages.
All trains to and from Bhubaneswar has been suspended for now. The services will be decided after reviewing the situation. Many trains have been cancelled.
BJP’s general secretary Kailash Vijayvargia during a press conference said that eight districts in West Bengal will be affected due to cyclone Fani. All political programmes remain cancelled from the BJP, he added.
AIIMS PG exam is scheduled on 5th May. Due to cyclone Fani, AIIMS Delhi is cancelling the exam centre in Bhubaneswar. Another exam will be conducted for students affected by this cancellation as soon as normalcy returns: H & FW Secretary Preeti Sudan
As the cyclone Fani is heading towards West Bengal and is likely to hit the state later this evening, Kolkata metro officials have informed that the services may be regulated or suspended for a while depending upon the situation.
In a rare incident, a 32-year-old woman in Bhubaneswar gave birth to a baby girl in Railway Hospital today at 11:03 AM. Baby has been named after the cyclonic storm, Fani. The woman is a railway employee, working as a helper at Coach Repair Workshop, Mancheswar.
Two people have died as cyclone Fani hit Odisha on Friday morning, causing uprooting of trees and electricity poles, and damaging various properties in several parts of the state.
One old man in one of the shelters died because of (a) heart attack. Another person went out in the storm despite our warnings and died because a tree fell on him: Odisha state special relief commissioner Bishnupada Sethi told news agency AFP.
One old man in one of the shelters died because of (a) heart attack. Another person went out in the storm despite our warnings and died because a tree fell on him: Odisha state special relief commissioner Bishnupada Sethi told news agency AFP.
Cyclone Fani, the strongest storm to hit India since 2014, is weakening after barreling into Odisha, the chief of the state-run India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
Cyclone Fani currently lies 65 km from Gopalpur and 80 km from Puri in Odisha: IMD Bulletin, reports PTI.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to stay in Kharagpur, near the coastal belt and monitor the situation herself, today and tomorrow. All her political campaigns for the two days have been cancelled.
According to reports, thunderstorm with light rain and gusty winds at 20-30 Kmpm will hit the adjoining areas of Barsana, Bharatpur, Mathura in Uttar Pradesh in the next 2 hours.
Updated Paradip Radar image at 13:00 hrs of cyclone Fani moving in Northerly direction at a speed of 12 kmph. Eye diameter is 17.8 km. (Image below was shared by Director General, PIB India)
Updated Paradip Radar image at 13:00 hrs of cyclone Fani moving in Northerly direction at a speed of 12 kmph. Eye diameter is 17.8 km. (Image below was shared by Director General, PIB India)
Packing heavy rain and winds with speeds of up to 175 kmph, the cyclonic storm 'Fani' slammed into the Odisha coast on Friday morning.
I will ask the common people to try to abstain from outdoor activities as much as possible in these two days. And if you have to go out, keep an eye on electric poles and live electric wires. Switch off cable television lines and put off gas cylinders during the storm: Banerjee said.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee cancelled her public rallies scheduled for Friday and advised people not to pay heed to rumours and stay indoors as Cyclone Fani heads towards the state.
According to reports, over 11 lakh people have been evacuated in Odisha till now. Another 10 trains were cancelled by East Coast railway on Friday morning taking the total number of cancelled trains due to Fani to 157.
Cyclone Fani has hit Cuttack severely. Lots of trees are uprooted. DCP of Cuttack and ODRAF unit as per the guidance of DGP Odisha is putting all the possible efforts to ensure the roads are cleared as soon as possible: Odisha Police said.
I took the latest update from the officers. I held a review meeting yesterday. More than Rs 1000 cr was release to concerned governments yesterday in advance. NDRF, Indian Coast Guard, Army, Navy, Air Force are working with the admin. I assure the affected people that nation and centre are with them: Narendra Modi said further.
We have gathered here today. At the same time people living in coastal areas in eastern and southern India are facing an extremely severe cyclone. Centre is in continuous contact with governments in Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry: PM Narendra Modi said in Rajasthan
No flights will depart or arrive at Kolkata airport from 3 pm Friday to 8 am Saturday in view of the cyclonic storm 'Fani', which slammed into the Odisha coast in the morning, Indian aviation regulator DGCA said.
Below is the list of Do's and Don'ts issued by the National Disaster Management Authority of India.
Below is the list of Do's and Don'ts issued by the National Disaster Management Authority of India.
Election Commission of India approves the proposal for granting relaxations in the provisions of Model Code of Conduct in East Godavari, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagram and Srikakulam districts, for all the preventive and relief work associated with cyclonic storm Fani, reported ANI.
Cyclone Fani threatens to cause havoc across communities in Odisha. We pray for their well-being and safety and are ready to help in any way we can. The Samajwadi Party stands in solidarity with the people and administration of the state: Former UP CM Akhilesh Yadav tweeted.
BJP president Amit Shah has cancelled all his three public rallies scheduled in Jharkhand, due to bad weather conditions in the state caused by Cyclone Fani, reported news agency ANI.
According to PIB India, the extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani is very likely to move north-northeastwards and weaken into a very severe cyclonic storm during the next 3 hours.
Airlines must immediately respond to concerns of passengers affected by Cyclone Fani: Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu.
Usha Rani Bedh, 60, dies due to heart attack at a shelter home in Kendrapara in Odisha. Reports says news of Cyclone Fani had put her under acute stress.
Mrityunjay Mahapatra, IMD: After touching the shore its intensity is now reducing. Its effect will remain in Odisha till tonight. In West Bengal, the rains are still happening and the situation will remain the same till tomorrow. In Andhra, the cyclone has passed and there is no danger in Andhra anymore.
Gale with wind gusting above 165 kmph to hit Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsingpur till 12.30 p.m. Also, Severe thunderstorm with intense rainfall in Bhubaneswar, Khorda, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Bhadrak, Balasore, says IMD
Andhra Pradesh: People take refuge in a shelter in Ichchapuram town of Srikakulam district. Some houses were damaged in the rain and wind experienced by the district today. IMD says the system influence will be prevalent in Srikakulam for next 12 hours.
Odisha CM office: More than 1 million people have been evacuated from the vulnerable districts in last 24 hours. Ganjam and Puri evacuated more than 3 lakh and 1.3 lakh people respectively to safe shelters. About 5000 kitchens started operating to serve people in the shelters.
Cyclone Fani expected to hit West Bengal at 8:30 pm tonight. Kolkata airport to halt operations from 4 pm . No flights will land or take off from Kolkata airport between 4 and 9:30 pm, May 3 to 6pm, May 4.
IMD Hyderabad: Winds in Puri, Odisha are blowing at a maximum speed of 240-245 km per hour and heavy to very heavy rains are continuing over the Odisha coast. After landfall, the impact is likely to reduce and it is likely to move towards West Bengal coast.
Andhra Pradesh: Relief operation by NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) is underway in Kotturu Mandal of Srikakulam which received rain and experienced strong winds today. Cyclone Fani has made a landfall in Odisha's Puri.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to stay in Kharagpur, near the coastal belt and monitor the situation herself, today and tomorrow. Mamata Banerjee cancelled all her election rallies on Friday in the wake of Fani cyclone. The same has been suggested by the Indian Metrology Department. After landfall, the impact is likely to reduce and it is likely to move towards West Bengal coast.
Three Indian navy's warships -- Sahyadri, Ranvir and Kadmatt -- with relief material and medical teams are tracking extremely severe cyclone Fani and will be the first responder and start rescue work as the storm hits the coast in Odisha. The ship sailed south of the cyclone to be able to start rescue operations even as other naval vessels remain on standby at Vishakhapattanam. Naval divers teams have also moved to Odisha from Vishakhapattanam.
Cyclone Foni hit the Puri coast in Odisha at 9:30am on Friday. As per Indian Meterological Department officials, the cyclone has hit with the speed of 175 km/hr. Several areas are also witnessing heavy rainfall; while gusty winds uprooted trees and electricity poles, officials said. The cyclone moved close to north coastal Andhra before it made landfall in neighbouring Odisha. The electricity has been disconnected in Puri and several other areas.
HR Biswas, Director, Met Dept, Bhubaneswar: Extremely severe cyclone Fani landfall started at 8 AM. Some of the portion of the eye has already entered land area. It'll take 2 more hrs to complete landfall process. Landfall position is close to Puri. It'll continue upto 10.30 AM.
Preparing for the aftermath of Cyclone Fani, Indian Coast Guard has positioned 34 Disaster Relief Teams at Vizag, Chennai, Paradip, Gopalpur, Haldia, Frazergunj and Kolkata besides four Coast Guard ships at Vizag and Chennai
It is currently raining heavily in Odisha, because of Fani cyclone. The electricity in many areas has been disconnected because of the cyclone. At least 11 lakh people have been relocated and have been taken to safer regions. Wind with speed 100km/hr have been blowing in Puri currently.
The landfall process of extremely severe Cyclone Fani began nearly at 8 am Friday close to Puri in Odisha, with the area recording a wind speed of 145 kilometres per hour, the IMD said. Mritunjay Mohapatra, in-charge of the Cyclone Warning Division of the India Meteorological Department, said the process of landfall will continue for the next three hours. The area along Puri is witnessing winds with a speed of 145 kilometres per hour that could reach up to 180-200 kmph, which could bring an "extensive damage", he said. A cyclone making a landfall implies that the first arm of the cyclone has reached the land. The eye of the cyclone, which is calm, is nearly 30 kilometres.
Background
Cyclone Fani LIVE UPDATES: Packing heavy rain and winds with speeds of up to 175 kmph, cyclonic storm 'Fani' slammed into the Odisha coast Friday morning, uprooting trees and sweeping away thatched huts, as large areas of the seaside pilgrim town of Puri were left submerged. The extremely severe cyclonic storm made landfall at around 8 a.m. in Puri but thanks to enough advance warning, about 11 lakh people had already been evacuated from vulnerable and low-lying areas of at least 11 coastal districts by Thursday. "It will take around three hours for the entire landfall process to be completed" by 11 a.m., Director of Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, H R Biswas, said.
The cyclonic system, whose eye is around 28 km wide, is moving at around 30 kmph, Biswas said. But within the system, the winds are reaching speeds of up to 175 kilometers per hour that may go up to 200 kmph, leaving in their wake uprooted trees and thatched structures, including in the state capital Bhubaneswar.
High winds are also sweeping across several coastal districts like Ganjam, Khurda and Gajapati, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said. He said the nearly 11 lakh people evacuated earlier from about 10,000 villages and 52 urban areas have been accommodated in over 4,000 shelters, including 880 specially designed cyclone centres.
Arrangements have been made to start free kitchens at the cyclone shelters. Around 4,000 such shelters, including 880 specially designed cyclone centres, are housing the evacuees. Over one lakh dry food packets have been kept ready for air dropping for which two choppers requisitioned, Sethi said.
The Indian Coast Guard has positioned 34 disaster relief teams at different spots at Vishakhapatnam, Chennai, Gopalpur, Haldia, Frazergunj and Kolkata. It has also deployed four ships to handle any exigency. After crossing Odisha, the cyclone Fani is likely to move towards West Bengal before tapering off. It is, however, still likely to impact parts of the northeast, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Fani is billed as the most severe cyclonic storm since the super cyclone of 1999 that claimed close to 10,000 lives and left a trail of destruction in vast swathes of Odisha, according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Centre.
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