Cyclone Fani: Death Toll Rises to 12, PM to Visit Odisha on 6 May
The Indian Railways have cancelled about 100 trains between Visakhapatnam and Howrah on Friday and Saturday.
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The death toll in Odisha Rose to 12 on Saturday, 4 May after cyclone Fani ravaged the state on Friday leading to destruction of life and property.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to announce that he will visit the state on Monday, 6 May.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, while briefing the media on Saturday said that a record 1.2 million people had been evacuated with the help of over 45,000 volunteers.
Equipment at Bhubaneswar airport has also been significantly damaged but flight operations are expected to begin by 1 pm on Saturday, a government official said.
(Source: Windy.com)
Helpline numbers:
- Ministry of Home Affairs’ helpline number 1938 has been made operational
- Odisha: 6742534177
- Puri: 06752-223237
- Rayagada: 06856-224062/224082
- Cuttack: 0671-2507842/9337419494
- Sambalpur: 0663-2412407
- Angul: 06764-230980
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)
Odisha Likely to Start Evacuation on 2 May
The Odisha government is likely to begin the evacuation of people affected by cyclone Fani from 2 May as the severe cyclonic storm is heading for a landfall on the state’s coast, an official said in Bhubaneshwar on Tuesday.
The state government has also asked the concerned district collectors in the coastal regions to remain prepared to meet any eventuality.
Cyclone Update: Indian Navy on High Alert for Cyclone Fani
As Cyclone Fani was intensifying into a ‘Severe Cyclonic Storm’ over the south-east and adjoining south-west Bay of Bengal, the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) is on high alert to render necessary humanitarian assistance, a Navy spokesperson said on Tuesday.
Indian Naval ships at Visakhapatnam and Chennai are on standby to proceed to the most affected areas to undertake Humanitarian Aid Distress Relief (HADR), evacuation, logistic support including providing medical aid.
Odisha Chief Minister Patnaik Urges EC to Postpone Polls in Patkura
With the IMD forecasting very severe cyclonic storm FANI likely hit the Odisha coast on 3 May at night, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Tuesday said he would urge the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) to postpone polling in Patkura Assembly segment.
“I am going to see the Chief Election Commissioner about postponing the election in the Patkura Assembly seat in case the cyclone hits Odisha,” Patnaik said.
EC Lifts MCC in 11 Districts of Odisha
The Election Commission has reportedly approved the proposal for lifting of the Model Code of Conduct in Odisha districts of Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Gajapati, Ganjam, Khordha, Cuttack and Jajpur due to the cyclone to facilitate speedy rescue operations.
Schools, Colleges to Remain Closed From 2 May
The Odisha government has ordered closure of all educational institutions in the state from 2 May in view of the cyclonic storm ‘Fani’, which is likely to hit the coast on May 3 afternoon, reported IANS.
“All educational establishments should declare holidays from 2 May till further orders. All the examinations should be rescheduled,” said the office of Special Relief Commissioner (SRC).
Cyclone Update: Tourists Advised to leave Puri by 2 May
The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has advised tourists to leave Puri by 2 May evening and cancel non-essential travel to the districts likely to be affected on 3 May.
Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force Gear up to Face Cyclone Fani
Teams of Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force gear up to face cyclonic storm Fani. The teams left for Bhadrak at 12 pm today.
Speaking to ANI, Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba said, “We are prepared for the cyclone. Eastern Naval Command at Visakhapatnam is ready, all necessary measures have been taken. In coordination with state govt of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, we are ready for the cyclone.”
East Coast Railways Issues Advisory
The East Coast Railways has issued an advisory to cancel or regulate trains which might get affected due to the Fani cyclone. The section between Bhadrak-Bhubaneswar-Puri-Visakhapatnam will be cleared so that there will be no train in the section during extreme situation, reported ANI.
Ships, Aircraft Kept Ready for Rescue and Relief Operations
The Southern Command of the Indian Army on Wednesday said that ships at Visakhapatnam are standing-by with relief material for immediate deployment to the most-affected areas to undertake humanitarian aid operations. Diving and medical teams have also been kept ready for rescue and relief efforts in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, the army said.
Cabinet Secy Reviews Preparedness for Cyclone Fani
The Cabinet Secretary PK Sinha on Wednesday reviewed the preparedness of state and central ministries as well as agencies concerned to deal with the situation arising out of Cyclone Fani, the Home Ministry said.
103 Trains Cancelled So Far Due to Cyclone Fani
Twenty two more trains have been cancelled by the East Coast Railway due to Cyclone Fani. A total of 103 trains have been cancelled so far, reported ANI.
Defence Ministry Monitoring Situation in East Coast
The Defence Ministry on Wednesday said that it's monitoring the developing situation in the East Coast of India for Cyclone Fani and authorised proactive deployment of resources from the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard for assistance to those in need with minimum reaction time. The Coast Guard has deployed 20 teams.
Cyclone Fani: Railways Take Measures to Keep Passengers Safe
With extremely severe cyclonic storm 'Fani' likely to cross the coastal areas of Odisha on Friday, the South Eastern Railway has cancelled 43 trains scheduled to run between Howrah and Puri, and other destinations in south India over the next two days.
According to a forecast by the MeT office, heavy-to-very heavy rainfall may occur in the coastal districts of Odisha and West Bengal on Friday, 3 May.
The SER has cancelled 17 trains bound for south India and Puri. It has also decided to cancel 26 trains originating from south India, an SER official said.
It has also taken precautionary measures to keep their passengers safe by carrying out special patrolling.
In addition, breakdown vans and relief trains have been kept ready to cater to areas likely to be affected by the cyclone in the two states, the official said.
SER is also in touch with the local authorities and disaster management teams.
Separately, the East Coast Railway has issued an advisory for cancellation or regulating trains in areas which are likely to be affected by Fani.
There will be no movement of trains in the Bhadrak-Bhubaneswar-Puri-Visakhapatnam section at the time when the cyclonic storm is scheduled to pass the Odisha coast.
(PTI)
Have Taken Pre-emptive Measures to Deal with Cyclone Fani: Coast Guard
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has taken a series of pre-emptive measures such as deployment of ships with disaster relief material, use of Dornier aircraft to warn fishing boats and special community interaction programmes in coastal areas, according to an official statement on Wednesday, 1 May.
The ICG said it has implemented the lessons learnt from Cyclone Ockhi, which hit Tamil Nadu and Kerala coasts in 2017, to ensure safety of lives at sea.
"Fisheries authorities, state authorities and local administration were warned April 23, 2019, onwards for precautionary measures," the ICG said in its statement.
To ensure that widespread precautionary measures are in place in areas likely to be affected by the cyclonic storm, the ICG is in closely liasioning with state administration as well as the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Fani to Cross Odisha Around Puri on 3 May
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in a tweet said that at 5.30 am on 2 May, the cyclone was 450 km south-southwest of Puri in Odisha.
The cyclone is expected to cross Odisha around Puri on 3 May, the tweet said.
Railways to Run Special Train
Railways has said that it will run a special train with reserved and unreserved berths from Puri at 12 pm on Thursday and go towards Shalimar, reported news agency ANI.
The train will have stoppages at Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Jajpur, Kendujhar road, Bhadrak, Balasore and Kharagpur. The train will reach Bhubaneswar at about 1.30 pm.
Defence Forces Put on High Alert
The Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and personnel of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and fire service have been deployed in vulnerable areas to help the administration in evacuations.
NDRF Deploys Teams Across States
The NDRF has deployed 28 teams in Odisha, 12 in Andhra Pradesh and six teams in West Bengal for relief and rescue work. Over 30 additional teams are on standby with boats, tree cutters, telecom equipment said officials, reported news agency PTI
NDRF Team Arrives At Andhra Pradesh
A team of NDRF has arrived in Ichchapuram, Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh.
Rains Lash Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh
Rains have started to lash Podugupadu village in coastal district of Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the four districts in the state expected to be affected by Cyclone Fani.
South Coastal, Interior Odisha to Receive Heavy Rainfall Today
South coastal Odisha and adjoining interior Odisha will receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on Thursday, news agency ANI quoted HR Biswas, Director, Met Department, Bhubaneswar, as saying.
All 11 coastal districts along with adjoining interior districts will receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on Friday, he also said.
AAI Issues Alert to Coastal Airports
Airport Authority of India has issued an alert to all coastal airports to ensured that all precautions and SOPs are put in place immediately, in the view of the cyclone, reported news agency ANI.
Massive Evacuation Operation Underway in Odisha
A massive operation was launched in Odisha Thursday to evacuate over eight lakh people from low-lying coastal areas as the extremely severe cyclonic storm 'Fani' moved closer to the eastern coast, news agency PTI reported quoting officials.
According to the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi, the evacuation of eight lakh people is the largest-ever evacuation operation in the country.
PM Modi Chairs Meeting on Fani Preparedness
PM Modi on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting to review preparedness for Cyclone Fani, reported news ANI.
The meeting was attended by Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary to the PM, Additional Principal Secretary to the PM, the Home Secretary and other senior officials from IMD, NDRF, NDMA and PMO among others.
Relief Material Packets Being Readied in Bhubaneshwar
Preparation underway at Red Cross Bhavan in Bhubaneswar for distribution of relief material packets in the wake of Cyclone Fani.
NDRF Pre-Positions Rescue and Relief Teams
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has pre-positioned its 54 rescue and relief teams along the seacoast and in flood prone areas of Andhra Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Jharkhand, Kerala, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
GoAir Flights to Bhubaneshwar Cancelled for 3 May
All GoAir flights in and out from Bhubaneswar Airport have been cancelled for 3 May, 2019.
89 Trains Cancelled in Two Days: Railways
The Railways Thursday said around 89 trains have been cancelled in the last two days in view of cyclonic storm 'Fani', which is likely to affect Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, while three special trains have been put into service to ferry stranded passengers from affected areas.
The national transporter said it will grant full refund to passengers for the cancelled or diverted trains if tickets are produced for cancellation within three days from the scheduled date of journey.
The Railways had cancelled 81 trains on Wednesday.
The trains which have been cancelled include Howrah-Chennai Central Coromandal Express, Patna-Eranakulam Express, New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express, Howrah-Hyderabad East Coast Express, Bhubaneswar-Rameswaram Express.
Airlines Requested to Offer all Assistance for Rescue & Relief: Aviation Minister
Union Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu requested all airlines to offer all assistance for rescue & relief operations in view of Cyclonic Storm Fani.
“All airlines are requested to offer all assistance for rescue and relief operations in view of FaniI. All relief material should be airlifted to be delivered to officially designated agencies. Control room being set up,” he said.
'Ships With Humanitarian Aid Put to Sea': Navy
Navy PRO Captain DK Sharma told ANI that three ships carrying humanitarian aid material have been put to sea.
“Three ships of Navy have been put to sea on Wednesday, they are carrying enough of Humanitarian Aid Distress Relief (HADR) material, relief items and medicines. We have also kept six fixed wing aircraft and seven helicopters ready at Vishakhapatnam airbase.,” he said.
Landfall happening Sooner Than Expected: Odisha State Disaster Management
Sangram Mohapatra, spokesperson of the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority said that the landfall which was expected to be at 5:30 pm on Friday, is now expected between 12 pm-2 pm. All colleges and soft business establishments will be closed on Friday.
No Flights to take Off From Bhubaneshwar Airport
No flights will take off from midnight of today for the next 24 hours from Bhubaneswar Airport.
Railways Cancels 223 Trains
223 trains have been cancelled along Orissa coastline of Kolkata-Chennai route till 4 May in view of cyclone Fani, Railways said.
Coast Guard in Odisha, West Bengal Fully Prepared
“All coast guard units in Odisha and West Bengal are fully prepared for situation arising out of the landfall of Cyclone ‘Fani’. Disaster Relief teams have been formed along Odisha and West Benagl coast which would be providing relief assistance,” said Rajan Bargotra, Commander, Coast Guard Region (NE) on 2 May.
Flights From Bhubaneshwar, Kolkata Airport Cancelled
Flights to and from the Bhubaneswar airport have been cancelled for 3 May as 'extremely severe' cyclonic storm Fani heads towards Odisha and the east coast, even as Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu Thursday requested airlines to offer assistance in rescue and relief operations.
Flights from Bhubaneswar airport stand "cancelled" on 3 May and no flight will depart or arrive at the Kolkata airport between 9.30 pm of 3 May and 6 pm of 4 May, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in an advisory on Thursday evening.
The aviation regulator said that "resumption of flights" at Bhubaneswar and Kolkata airports "will be with positive clearance from their respective air traffic control".
The civil aviation minister said all authorities concerned have been alerted to be ready to deal with cyclone Fani and the situation will be monitored at the highest level.
Measures Taken to Ensure Tourists Leave Spots
The District Administration, Purba Medinipur has directed the Sub-Divisional Officer, Contai, to take immediate measures so that all the tourists leave Digha, Mandarmani, Sankarpur, Tajpur and other tourist spots to avoid any untoward incident due to the cyclone, reported ANI.
Odisha CM Visits SRO Office to Review Preparedness
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik visited the Special Relief Organisation office to review its preparedness, and appealed to people to remain indoors until Cyclone Fani passes. He also advised all officials to make their best efforts to face the cyclone, reported ANI.
At Least 350,000 Children in India at Direct Risk in Face of Cyclone Fani: NGO
Cyclone Fani, which is expected to make landfall in the eastern states of India, is putting 800,000 people directly at risk, including 350,000 children, NGO Save the Children warned on Thursday. According to a press release, many more will be affected by heavy rains, possible flash floods and landslides both in coastal and urban areas.
Alert Sounded in West Bengal Coastal Districts, Tourists Asked to Leave
As Cyclone Fani moved closer, the West Bengal government sounded an alert in coastal East Midnapore and South 24 Parganas districts, asking tourists to leave seaside destinations and directing fishermen not to venture into the sea.
Schools have been asked to stay closed and locals to move to safer places as the state braces for the extremely severe cyclonic storm which is expected to make its landfall in neighbouring Odisha Friday.
A senior official said an alert was also sounded in neighbouring West Midnapore, North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hoogly districts, in Jhargram and the Sundarbans, besides Kolkata.
The government has started making announcements in seaside destinations of Digha, Shankarpur, Tajpur and Mandarmani in East Midnapore and Bakkhali in South 24 Parganas, asking tourists to leave immediately and locals to take shelter in secure areas, he said.
"Each and every district has been alerted to keep a close watch on the situation. A control room has been opened 24x7 in this connection," Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said.
IMD Cautions to Not Be Deceived by Cyclone's Eye
A weatherman has cautioned people to not lower guard after the first arm of Cyclone Fani hits the east coast and moves forward, bringing the eye of the storm into the focus which is very calm.
As the eye inches forward, the very calmness brings further destruction as the second arm of the cyclone is equally violent.
An eye is the centre of a cyclone, which is calm, while the strong winds that circle it are known as the arms of the storm.
"There is a tendency to be complacent after the first arm of the cyclone moves ahead. The first arm brings destruction. The eye, which covers an area of 30-40 kilometres, is usually calm. But as the eye moves forward it is replaced by the second arm of the cyclone which is equally destructive," said Mritunjay Mohapatra, head of the cyclone warning division and additional director general of the India Meteorological Department.
Cyclone Fani: Coast Guard Deploys 4 Ships, 34 Disaster Relief Teams
As Cyclone Fani heads towards the eastern coast, the Indian Coast Guard has positioned 34 disaster relief teams at different spots and deployed four ships to handle any exigency.
"While #ExtremelySevereCyclonicStorm #FANI lay centered 170 kms ENE of #Vishakhapatnam @IndiaCoastGuard positions 34 Disaster Relief Teams #DRTs at #Vizag #Chennai #Paradip #Gopalpur #Haldia #Frazergunj & #Kolkata besides 04 #CoastGuard ships at #Vizag & #Chennai @DefenceMinIndia," the Coast Guard tweet.
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.
After crossing Odisha, the cyclone 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.
It is expected to make landfall around 9.30 am on Friday close to Puri.
Rahul Urges Congress Workers to Warn People in Odisha, Andhra, Bengal About Cyclone Fani
Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday urged party workers in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal to warn people in their neighbourhood about Cyclone Fani and help those in need.
"As Cyclone Fani approaches, I urge Congress workers in Odisha, Andhra and West Bengal to warn people in their surrounding areas of the approaching danger and to help those in need," Gandhi tweeted.
"Stay safe. This danger will soon pass. You are in my thoughts and prayers tonight," he said.
Ministry of Home Affairs' Control Room Releases Helpline Number For Cyclone Fani
Ministry of Home Affairs' Control Room has released a helpline number 1938 to provide latest updates.
More Than 1 Million People Evacuated
More than 1 million people have been evacuated from vulnerable districts of Odisha in last 24 hours, the CMO said. 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.
Fani Lies 80 km From Puri in Odisha: IMD
Cyclone Fani currently lies 65 km from Gopalpur and 80 km from Puri in Odisha, as per IMD Bulletin.
Cyclone Fani Likley to Hit Bangladesh on 4 May
IMD has said that Cyclone Fani is likely to move further north-northeastwards and emerge into Bangladesh on 4 May evening as a cyclonic Storm.
West Bengal: SBSTC to Operate Buses From Digha to Evacuate Stranded Tourists
South Bengal State Transport Corporation (SBSTC) will operate about 50 buses from Digha on 3 May to evacuate the stranded tourists at Digha to minimise inconvenience caused due to suspension of train operations to Digha, reported ANI.
The buses will be available at half an hour or lesser interval from 5 am in the morning. Fifteen more buses will remain available and will be deployed, if the situation demands.
Cyclone Fani: East Coast Railway Cancels 10 More Trains to Odisha, WB, AP
East Coast Railway has cancelled ten more trains to Puri, Bhubaneswar, Howrah, Visakhapatnam. Earlier, railways had cancelled 147 trains from 1 to 3 May.
Rainfall in Parts of Odisha
People Take Refuge in a Shelter in Odisha
Fani Will Make Landfall Between 8-11 am: Met Department
Director of Met Department, HR Biswas, has said that Cyclone Fani is expected to make landfall between 8-11 am.
“The impact of landfall process has started. Fani will make a landfall between 8-11 am. In the morning at 6:31 am it was 70 km south-southwest of Puri, it is moving now.”
Cyclone Fani Makes Landfall in Puri
Cyclone Fani made landfall in Odisha’s Puri distict on Friday, 3 May. NDRF teams are on alert to help with the evacuation process.
Strong Winds Hit Visakhapatnam
Strong winds hit Visakhapatnam as Cyclone Fani makes landfall in Odisha's Puri.
Helpline Numbers For Passengers Stranded at Various Railway Stations
34 Disaster Relief Teams Positioned Across 4 States
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.
People Should Remain Under Hard Shelter, No Need to Venture Out: Navy PRO
Speaking to CNN-News18, Indian Navy Pro, Captain DK Sharma advised the people to stay indoors calling this the “worst time”. He also said that after this the speeds will start reducing but people should not venture out as “trees will fall, poles will fall”.
He further said that the Navy is fully deployed and three ships are following the eye of the storm. He also added that there are aircrafts at Digha, which will fly out soon after the fury is over to assess the damage and pass on to the authorities as to where the impact is the most.
Emergency Helpline Numbers
- Odisha: 6742534177
- Puri: 06752-223237
- Rayagada: 06856-224062/224082
- Cuttack: 0671-2507842/9337419494
- Sambalpur: 0663-2412407
- Angul: 06764-230980
Relief Operation Underway in Andhra Pradesh
Relief operation by NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) is underway in Kotturu Mandal of Srikakulam which received rain and experienced strong winds after Cyclone Fani made landfall in Odisha.
Fishermen Advised to Not Venture into the Sea: IMD
IMD has issued an advisory to the fishermen to not venture into deep sea areas of west central Bay of Bengal, along and off Andhra Pradesh in the next 12 hours.
Heavy to Very Heavy Rains Continuing Over Odisha Coast: IMD
According to IMD, “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.”
13 Navy Aircraft on Standby in Visakhapatnam
Thirteen Navy aircrafts are on standby in Visakhapatnam to carry out damage assessment and relief distribution requirements.
MHA's Helpline Number Made Operational
Ministry of Home Affairs' helpline number 1938 has been made operational.
Mamata Banerjee Cancels Campaigns, Stays Put in WB's Kharagpur
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.
Andhra Pradesh: People Take Refuge in Andhra Pradesh's Ichchapuram Town
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.
Kolkata Airport Shut From 3 pm Today to 8 am Tomorrow
The closure timing of Kolkata Airport has been revised. No flights will be operating between 3 pm today to 8 am tomorrow.
In Pictures: Cyclone Fani Makes Landfall in Odisha
Police Personnel of Nayapalli Police Station Clear Roads in Bhubaneswar
Cyclone Fani: EC Grants MCC Relaxation in Parts of AP
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 Cyclone Fani.
More Than Rs 1,000 Crore Was Released Yesterday: PM Modi
Addressing a poll rally in Rajasthan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the central government is in constant touch with the state governments of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. He also added that the centre has released Rs 1,000 crore relief fund in advance for the states.
“NDRF, Indian Coast Guard, Army, Navy, Air Force are working with administration. I assure the affected people that nation & centre are with them,” Modi said.
Cyclone Fani Has Started Weakening, Says IMD Chief
IMD Chief has said that Cyclone Fani has started weakening and is likely to enter Bangladesh by Saturday evening, reported Reuters.
He has also said that the heavy rains and winds will continue in Odisha throughout Friday.
'Widespread Devastation, Uprooted Trees, Some TV Channels Off Air': Jay Panda
BJP’s Vice President Jay Panda tweeted a video of the destruction caused by Cyclone Fani in Odisha and said, “Widespread devastation, uprooted trees hurled around like toothpicks, some TV channels are off air, their teleports smashed.”
Visuals From Odisha as Cyclone Fani Made Landfall
3 People Killed in Odisha
Three people were killed in separate incidents as cyclone Fani battered the Odisha coast Friday, officials said.
A teenager was killed when a tree came crashing down on him at a place within Sakhigopal police station area limits in Puri district.
In Debendranarayanpur village in Kendrapara district, a 65-year-old woman died after suspected heart attack at a cyclone shelter, official information reaching here said.
Fani, an extremely severe cyclonic storm lashed the Odisha coast Friday morning, uprooting trees, blowing away thatched huts, and disrupting communication links.
AIIMS Exam in Bhubaneswar Cancelled Due to Cyclone Fani
Roof of Hostel at AIIMS Bhubaneswar Blown Off Due to Cyclone Fani
The roof of an undergraduate hostel at AIIMS Bhubaneswar was blown off due to the impact of Cyclone Fani on Wednesday.
“Extensive damage to structure of AIIMS Bhubaneswar reported due to Cyclone Fani. All patients, staff, students safe. Many water tanks have blown off, lighting poles are down, airconditioners damaged. We have enough supplies, ready to support the state [sic],” Union Health Secretary Preeti Sudan was quoted as saying.
'Directed Civil Aviation Secy to Continuously Monitor the Situation': Suresh Prabhu
Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu on Friday directed the Civil Aviation secretary to continuously monitor the situation arising of Cyclone Fani.
“DGCA will be issuing revised advisories to Airlines as and when necessary. Taking all possible steps for passenger safety and to minimize their inconvenience,” he wrote on Twitter.
Bhubaneswar Airport Damaged as Strong Winds, Heavy Rainfall Hit the City
The Biju Patnaik International Airport in Odisha’s Bhubaneswar was damaged as strong winds and heavy rainfall hit the city on Friday.
At Least 160 People Reportedly Injured: Govt Spokesperson
A government of India spokesperson has said at least 160 people have been reportedly injured as Cyclone Fani made landfall in the early hours of Wednesday.
No Loss of Life in Andhra Pradesh
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, officials said.
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, they said.
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 of Odisha by Thursday.
Will Help Restoring Electricity in Odisha: IEEMA
Electrical equipment body IEEMA said it will help restoring power supply in cyclone-affected areas of Odisha.
"The Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers Association (IEEMA) members are committed to rapid restoration of power supply in cyclone affected areas in Odisha," IEEMA said in a statement.
The members of the association, the statement said, are committed to restoration of electrical and power infrastructure on a priority basis.
Naval Aircraft Conducts Aerial Survey
Naval Dornier Aircraft conducted an aerial survey of Puri, earlier today.
Eight Dead Due to Cyclone Fani in Odisha
The death toll during Cyclone Fani in Odisha has risen to eight.
Though the 'extremely severe' cyclone unexpectedly weakened into 'very severe' cyclonic storm in a matter of few hours, it left a trail of devastation in large parts of coastal Odisha, with the seaside pilgrim town of Puri being the worst hit.
'Energy Infrastructure Completely Destroyed': CM Patnaik
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who reviewed the situation in the state on Friday, said Puri district, particularly the holy town where the cyclone first hit the land mass, suffered huge damage.
"Energy infrastructure has been completely destroyed. Restoration of electricity is a challenging task," he said.
Hundreds of engineers and technicians were working on a war-footing to restore power supply.
Work is on to restore road communication, thrown into disarray with thousands of uprooted trees blocking the way in innumerable places, Patnaik said.
The chief minister said since the cyclone is still passing through Odisha, it will take time to make an assessment of the damage.
Bhubaneswar Airport's Equipment Significantly Damaged, Flight Ops Likely From 1 pm
Equipment at Bhubaneswar airport has been significantly damaged but flight operations are expected to begin by 1 pm on Saturday, a government official said.
Cyclone Fani Weakens Into Severe Cyclonic Storm: IMD
The IMD in a statement said that Cyclone Fani has weakened into a severe cyclonic storm.
“Very severe cyclonic storm Fani over coastal Odisha moved north-northeastwards at 20 kmph in last 6 hours and weakened into severe cyclonic storm and lay centered at 2030 hrs over Coastal Odisha about 110 km southwest of Midnapore (WB), 80 km southwest of Digha and 210 km southwest of Kolkata. It's very likely to continue to move north-northeastwards during next 12 hrs and emerge into Gangetic West Bengal with wind speed of 80-90 kmph gusting to 105 kmph by early morning of 4 May,” the IMD said.
Cyclone Fani Hits West Bengal
Rain lashed Kolkata as Cyclone Fani hit West Bengal by crossing Kharagpur earlier on Saturday.
Rains Due to Cyclone Fani Turn Deadly in UP
Rains induced by Cyclone Fani have resulted in the death of at least four people across Uttar Pradesh on Thursday night, tweeted the Chief Minister’s Office. Six others have also been injured due to the rains.
PM Modi Assures Support from Centre to Odisha Over Cyclone Fani
Taking to Twitter, PM Narendra Modi assured continous support to the Odisha government from the Centre over Cyclone Fani.
Cyclone Fani Weakens, To Move Into Bangladesh By Noon: IMD
Severe Cyclone Fani has weakened into a cyclonic storm and will further weaken into Deep Depression and move into Bangladesh by noon, the IMD has said.
The national weather agency added that the cyclone had laid centered at 60 km NW of Kolkata at 0530 IST of 4th May.
Air India Offers to Send Relief Materials to Affected Areas For Free
National carrier Air India steps forward to help the residents of Odisha affected by Cyclone Fani . If any (NGO/ Civil society/ SHG etc) wants to send relief materials to cyclone affected area of Odisha, Air India would ship it free of cost, reports ANI.
PM Modi to Visit Odisha on 6 May
Flight Services in Bhubaneshwar to Resume from 1 pm
According to the Times of India, flight services in Bhubaneshwar airport will resume from 1 pm today.
UN Praises IMD For 'Accurate Predicition'
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 India Meteorological Department (IMD) has classified Fani as an "extremely severe cyclonic storm".
1.2 Million People Evacuated: Naveen Patnaik
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik on Saturday briefed the media over the situation in the state.
"A record of 1.2 million people were evacuated in 24 hours, 3.2 lakh from Ganjam, 1.3 lakh from Puri & almost 7000 kitchens catering to 9000 shelters were made functional overnight. This mammoth exercise involved more than 45,000 volunteers," he said.
Death Toll in Odisha Rises to 12
A day after cyclonic storm 'Fani' ravaged parts of Odisha, the death toll due to the calamity, which stood at eight on Friday, mounted to 12 with four fresh casualties reported from Mayurbhanj district.
All the four people were killed after uprooted trees fell on them at different places in Baripada, the emergency officer of Mayurbhanj district, S K Pati, said.