Cyclone Fani updates: Meghalaya govt seeks deployment of NDRF as hurricane heads towards West Bengal

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha

Aerial survey of Puri conducted by naval Dornier aircraft

Odisha: Naval Dornier Aircraft conducted an aerial survey of Puri, earlier today. #CycloneFani pic.twitter.com/h35yv75mHD

— ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2019

Cyclone Fani latest update from West Bengal

Cyclone Fani makes landfall in West Bengal

Cyclone Fani latest update from Meghalaya

Meghalaya govt seeks deployment of NDRF in state

The Meghalaya government has sought deployment of a platoon of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in the state in view of Cyclone Fani, officials said.

The extremely severe cyclonic storm made landfall in Odisha on Friday morning. It is gradually heading towards West Bengal and from there it is likely to move towards the north-east, the officials said.

One NDRF platoon, comprising 25 to 30 personnel, has been sought from Guwahati, Meghalaya Revenue and Disaster Minister Kyrmen Shylla said.

The IMD has warned of thundersquall accompanied with gusty winds and heavy rains for the next 48 hours across the northeastern states, including Meghalaya.

“We have requested the NDRF to deploy at least one platoon at the state capital. The NDRF personnel would assist the state in case of any emergency,” Shylla said. — PTI

Cyclone Fani latest update

Vodafone, Airtel issue statements on Cyclone Fani

Airtel in its statement said that war rooms with dedicated teams have been established in the state/circle offices to monitor impact of operations and coordinate quick recovery.

It also said that SMS has been made free in three affected states for 5 days.

Vodafone, on the other hand, said that the helpline number 1938 is available for people in case of emergency.

“Proactively, we have ensured sufficient fuel supply to our sites across all locations, and stocking at strategic locations,” it said.

Cyclone Fani latest update

56 more trains cancelled by East Coast Railway

In addition to the 169 trains that were cancelled, 56 more trains were cancelled by the East Coast Railway in view of Cyclone Fani.

Input by Monalisa Patsani/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from West Bengal

Control room set up in Kolkata under supervision of Mayor Firhad Hakim

A control room has been setup opened in Kolkata Municipal Corporation premises under the supervision of Kolkata Mayor, Firhad Hakim.

The control room will be functioning 24×7 to take oversee relief and evacuation work in the state.

Input by SS Parveen/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha

160 reportedly injured in Puri

“As per telephonic information, in Puri, extensive damage (was done) to kuchha houses, old buildings and temporary shops. There are no confirmed reports of deaths, but 160 have been reportedly injured. Power and telecom is completely down. NDRF and state forces are clearing roads,” ANI quoted a central government spokesperson as saying.

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha

Visuals from Bhubaneswar at 5 pm

Cyclond Fani latest update from Assam

Cyclone Fani to hit Assam tomorrow

According to News18 , there will be heavy to very heavy rainfall in Assam in at least ten places, including in Dhubri, Kokrajhar, Goalpara, Bongaigaon, Chirang, Barpeta, Kamrup, South Salmara, Mankachar and parts of Baksa.

IMD has issued yellow and orange category warnings for the state.

Cyclone Fani latest update from West Bengal

185 clay houses, pucca houses damaged in last few hours in East Medinipur

In East Medinipur 185 clay houses and pucca houses have been damaged in the last few hours. Till the afternoon – 25 houses were broken in Dattan, 47 houses destroyed in block 2, 14 in Kharagpur block, 51 in Midnapore city, 14 in Midnapore Sadar block, 5 in Narayangarh, 9 in Salbani, 20 houses have been damaged in the block number 3 in Chandrakona Road. A total of 185 homes were destroyed. 9 people were injured in different accidents.

Input by A Ghose/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from West Bengal

Visuals from Kolkata

Cyclone Fani latest update from West Bengal

Roof of six houses in East Midnapore destroyed

The roof of six houses in East Midnapore’s Panshkura has been totally destroyed as Fani approaches the coastal region of West Bengal. There is no electricity in the villages since the morning.

Input by A Ghose/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from Andhra Pradesh

EC is biased in implementing MCC: Chandrababu Naidu

Naidu alleged that the EC is biased in implementing Model Code of Conduct by allowing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold cyclone reviews and offering central assistance to cyclone-hit states.

Cyclone Fani latest update from Andhra Pradesh

Chandrababu Naidu accuses EC of scuttling rescue and relief operations

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu accused the Election Commission of having scuttled his plans on cyclone rescue and relief operations.

He said the EC gave him permission to monitor the situation only after Cyclone Fani had crossed Andhra Pradesh’s coast.

“Yet we managed the disaster well by ensuring no casualties and minimise damages,” Naidu said, asking the EC to enforce the Model Code of Conduct from public interest point of view

Input by Nagaraja Gali/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from West Bengal

Police in Kolkata remove all street hawkers from city

Input by Ashok Nath Dey/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha

Initial estimates of damage and destruction by Fani in Odisha

Input by Bibhuti Mohapatro/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha

Telecom tower toppled in Cuttack

Cyclone Fani latest update

East Coast Railway cancels another 19 trains

Adding to the 157 trains that have already been cancelled, East Coast Railway cancelled another 19 trains in view of Cyclone Fani.

Input by SS Parveen/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from Andhra Pradesh

Crops damaged in Andhra Pradesh

Crops were damaged in 553 hectares in six mandals in Andhra Pradesh. Fani delivered a deadly blow to banana and coconut plantations.

2,129 electric polls and 218 cell towers were razed to the ground by high-speed winds. Communication system has been paralyzed in more than half a dozen mandals.

Input by Nagaraj Gali/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha

Bus toppled at Gita Engineering College in Bhubaneswar

Input by Monalisa Patsani/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from West Bengal

Schools should be prepared for any emergency: West Bengal govt

A special notice from the West Bengal government says, “Every primary and high school in the districts should be prepared for any sort of emergency. The keys should be handed over to either local people or the teachers. No flood victim or evacuated villager should wait for shelter.”

Input by A Ghose/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update

Cyclone has weakened to ‘very severe cyclonic storm’: IMD

In a press conference, Sanjeev Bandhopadhyay, Deputy DGM, Indian Meteorological Department, said, “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. The cyclone is expected to weaken further in the next nine hours. The cyclone is expected to make landfall in West Bengal at a speed of 80-115 kmph at midnight. There is a possibility of the cyclone entering earlier in the evening."

Input by SS Parveen/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from West Bengal

BJP’s vice-president of West Bengal unit writes to state’s chief secretary

Jay Prakash Majumdar, BJP’s vice-president of West Bengal, has written to the chief secretary of the state to offer their support and services in view of Cyclone Fani.

Input by A Ghose/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from West Bengal

Air India flight from Kolkata to Bagdogra cancelled

An Air India flight (AI 721) was supposed to take off at 1.40 pm from Kolkata to Bagdogra, but it was cancelled due to heavy rains and wind.

Now, the flight from Kolkata airport won’t take off as per as orders due to Cyclone Fani. So, the passengers of the Air India flight are protesting inside Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport.

Input by SS Parveen/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha

Water-logging in Bubaneswar, Cuttack; roof of Bhubaneswar Railway station blown away

Cyclone Fani wrecked many parts of Odisha. Continuous downpour and wind has uprooted many trees, telecom towers, electric poles in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Khurda, Puri and other parts of coastal areas of the state.

Water-logging has been witnessed in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, while communication in Puri has totally broken down. Bhubaneswar Railway Station and Biju Patnaik International Airport have been also damaged.

The roof of Bhubaneswar Railway station has been blown away. The roof of recently renovated Kalinga Stadium has also been damaged. Though the wind speed is slowly decreasing in Khurda area, rains are likely to continue.

Input by Monalisa Patsani/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from West Bengal

House burns down in South 24 Parganas, residents escape

A house burnt down due to an electrical fire at Mohammad Nagar village of Nandkumar Pur Gram Panchayat in Rayadighi, South 24 Parganas as the effect of Fani intensified in the area.

However, the residents managed to escape.

Input by A Ghose/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from Andhra Pradesh

Aftermath of Cyclone Fani landfall in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha

WATCH: Indian Coast Guard loads relief

The Indian Coast Guard has begun operations to send relief to people. The video shows personnel loading items on to a chopper.

#WATCH Odisha: Indian Coast Guard loading relief material on a chopper; relief material to be distributed to people affected due to #CycloneFani. pic.twitter.com/cN7p17zIVE

— ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2019

Cyclone Fani latest update from West Bengal

Metro services could be held up in Kolkata

Metro services from Kavi Subhash to Dumdum stations in Kolkata have been normal till 2:50 pm. In view of the cyclone, services from Mahanayak Uttam Kumar to Kavi Subhash and from Dumdum to Noapara may be regulated or suspended if the situation so demands, any time on 3 and 4 May, 2019, the authorities have informed.

A Ghose/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha

WATCH: AIIMS roof blows away in wind

Extensive damages were done to the structure of AIIMS Bhubaneswar due to Cyclone Fani, the Press Information Bureau reported. “All patients, staff, students are safe. Many water tanks have blown off, lighting poles were down, air conditioners were damaged. We have enough supplies and are ready to support the state,” said health secretary Preeti Sudan.

Video clip of a roof being blown off at the undergraduate hostel in AIIMS Bhubaneshwar due to #CycloneFani #Fani #FaniCyclone #FaniUpdates pic.twitter.com/97c5ELQJ46

— Manish Desai (@DG_PIB) May 3, 2019

Cyclone Fani latest update from West Bengal

Will join hands with Mamata to aid in Fani rescue work, says BJP

At a press conference, BJP’s general secretary Kailash Vijayvargia said, “Eight districts in West Bengal will be affected due to cyclone Fani. All political programmes remain cancelled from the BJP. We request all to stay in their districts. We pray this doesn’t create much damage. BJP will keep politics aside. If the state government needs any assistance from us, our party workers are ready to help in rescue and relief. We are standing by the CM.”

A Ghose/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha

Child born during storm named ‘Fani’

A 32-year-old woman gave birth to a baby girl at the Railway Hospital in Bhubaneswar at 11:03 am, just as Cyclone Fani was passing through Odisha. The baby was named after the cyclonic storm, Fani, reported ANI.

The woman is a railway employee and works as a helper at at the Coach Repair Workshop at Mancheswar. Both the mother and the child are fine. The cyclone had put a lot of pregnant women in danger, it was reported on Thursday.

Bhubaneswar: A 32-year-old woman 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. Both the mother&child are fine. #Odisha pic.twitter.com/xHGTkFPlAe

— ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2019

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha

Bhubaneswar suffers worst

Bhubaneswar has borne some of the worst brunt of Cyclone Fani with widespread damage at not just the city airport but across the city. The city now stares at one of the most extensive reconstruction efforts.

Video by Debi Mohanty

#Bhubaneswar has borne some of the worst brunt of #CycloneFani with widespread damage at not just the city airport but across the city. Follow LIVE updates of what the storm has caused: https://t.co/Y2FIEnqddt pic.twitter.com/RLGr69Qtjj

— Firstpost (@firstpost) May 3, 2019

Cyclone Fani latest update from West Bengal

Ferry services stopped across Ganga

Ferry services from Babughat in Kolkata have been stopped from 1 pm on Friday and will resume on Saturday if the weather conditions improve.

SS Parveen/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha

WATCH: Glass wall shatters in Bhubaneswar hostel

Cyclone Fani may have weakened to a ‘severe’ storm but its impact was such that a glass wall at the KIIT hostel in Bhubaneswar shattered as a result of gusty winds.

#CycloneFani may have weakened to a 'severe' #storm but its impact was such that a glass wall at the KIIT hostel in #Bhubaneswar shattered as a result of gusty winds. Follow LIVE updates as the storm passes through #Bengal, here: https://t.co/Y2FIEnqddt pic.twitter.com/a1kjm3ORdr

— Firstpost (@firstpost) May 3, 2019

Twelve additional trains cancelled

Twelve more trains have been cancelled by the South Eastern Railway in the aftermath of Cyclone Fani. As of now 157 trains have been cancelled by the East Coast Railway and 12 by the South East Railway.

SS Parveen/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update

IMD says storm has weakened to ‘severe’

Sanjeev Bandhopadhyay, Deputy DGM Meteorological Department has held a press conference to announce that the “extremely severe cyclonic storm” had crossed Puri from 8 am to 10 am, the eye of the storm is now on land and that it has weakened to a “severe cyclonic storm.”

“On 4 May it will enter Bangladesh and from 5 May onwards things will be normalised. Heavy rains and extremely heavy rains will be witnessed in one or two places in the coastal areas of West Bengal from evening to early Saturday morning. The cyclone is likely to enter Kolkata in the evening and cause heavy rains till Saturday morning,” Bandhopadhyay added.

SS Parveen/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update

Indian Coast Guard DIG says he is keeping close watch 

MA Warsi, the DIG of the Indian Coast Guard said while the speed of the wind as the cyclone hit Odisha was more than 190 kmph, no casualties been noted by the Coast Guard yet. “The weather conditions are still bad, there is heavy rainfall and strong movement of wind in Odisha,” Warsi said.

“Once in West Bengal, it will move in the north-northeast direction and we are continuously monitoring it. IMD Kolkata has informed us that we will see the effect of Fani till the evening. They have also predicted that West Bengal will see a wind speed of 90-100 kmph,” he added.

A Ghose/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha

Six people dead in state, say reports 

News reports have said that six people have died in Kendrapada and Nayapalli in Odisha in what are the very first reports of casualty from the state. The Odisha government has not confirmed any deaths yet. News18 has reported that the deaths occured due to wall collapses.

Cyclone Fani latest update from Andhra Pradesh

Chandrababu Naidu secures poll code exemption for 4 storm-hit districts

The Chief Election Commissioner has exempted four cyclone-hit districts from the purview of the Model Code of Conduct in response to a petition from Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu. Naidu had alleged that the Election Commission had shown preferential treatment in favour of Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, enabling relief operations in his state.

Nagaraja Gali/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha

NDRF gets to work at Balasore

With the extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani giving the first indications of weakening, teams of the National Disaster Response Force have begun work in Balasore of Odisha where fallen trees pose one of the biggest challenges.

Cyclone Fani Ground Reports : Orissa, Balasore.#TEAMNDRFINDIA #StaySafe #stayalert #stayprepared@satyaprad1 @ndmaindia @PIBHomeAffairs pic.twitter.com/p0ptql43Jc

— NDRF 🇮🇳 (@NDRFHQ) May 3, 2019

Narendra Modi announces Rs 1,000 crore relief package

Speaking at a rally in Rajasthan’s Hidaun, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a Rs 1,000 crore relief package for Cyclone Fani. “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. The Centre is in continuous contact with governments in Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. I took the latest update from officers. I held a review meeting yesterday,” said the prime minister, adding that the nation was “with the people”.

आज जब हम सब यहां एकत्रित हुए हैं तो उस समय देश के पूर्वी और दक्षिणी तट पर रहने वाले लाखों परिवार भीषण चक्रवात का सामना कर रहे हैं।

ओडिशा, पश्चिम बंगाल, आंध्र प्रदेश, तमिलनाडु और पुदुच्चेरी की सरकारों के साथ केंद्र सरकार लगातार संपर्क में है: पीएम मोदी #ModiJahanVikasWahan pic.twitter.com/dInzN5QupR

— BJP (@BJP4India) May 3, 2019

Cyclone Fani latest update from West Bengal

Villagers take shelter in schools as storm rages through Medinipur

With more than 70,000 people evacuated in West Bengal already, many of the people moved from their houses have taken shelter at a school in Digha’s Ramnagar Padima village which falls under Block One of the East Medinipur district. As many as 300 people have been evacuated from that block.

A Ghose/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from West Bengal

Several houses destroyed as storm rages through East Medinipur

Several houses have collapsed in Medinipur’s ward number 14, where 10 families have been rendered homeless. The area in West Bengal has been witnessing heavy rainfall due to Cyclone Fani.

A Ghose/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha

Crane collapses on building in Bhubaneswar

A journalist in Odisha’s capital city of Bhubaneswar has tweeted a photograph of a crane which has collapsed on a building in the heavy rains and gusty winds brought about by the cyclone.

A crane in Z1 just now fell on a near by building in Bhubaneswar. pic.twitter.com/Pmih63pNLh

— Satyopriyo Dash (@satyopriyodash) May 3, 2019

Cyclone Fani latest update from West Bengal

15 houses collapse in state’s East Midnapore district

Shortly after the storm hit Digha coast, 15 houses have collapsed in East Midnapore district as heavy rains and winds raged through. No casualties have been reported yet.

Atonu Choudhurri/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha

IPS officer tweets heartwarming photos of men and women in uniform helping people move out of their homes

Odisha’s CID Crime Branch inspector general Arun Bothra tweeted images of police personnel comforting people in shelters and helping families move their young ones in the evacuation drive at Kendrapada in Odisha on Friday morning.  

In safe hands.

Evacuation in Kendrapada, #Odisha, today morning.#Fani #CycloneFani #CyclonicStormFANI#OdishaPolice pic.twitter.com/7SNvzpxQHf

— Arun Bothra 🇮🇳 (@arunbothra) May 3, 2019

Cyclone Fani latest update from Jharkhand

Amit Shah cancels rally after heavy rains in state

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.

ANI

Cyclone Fani latest update from West Bengal

Storm hits Digha, concrete embankments of beach crumble

The concrete ghats of old and new Digha sea beach gave away at around 11 am on Friday, as the cyclone hit Bengal. The West Bengal government has been evacuating tourists on a war footing. So far, 70,000 families have been evacuated from the coastal belt of Bengal already and further evacuation efforts are underway.

A Ghose/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha

Indian Navy’s P-8i and Dornier to assess impact and devastation post Fani

Indian Navy’s P-8I and Dornier are being scheduled to be launched on Friday afternoon to undertake aerial survey to assess the extent of impact and devastation after Cyclone Fani crossed the Odisha coast. 

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha

Cyclone Fani expected to weaken with wind speed of 160 km/hour: IMD

In the next three hours, Cyclone Fani is expected to weaken with a wind speed of 150-160 km per hour. Gradually it will weaken and move north-northeastwards. By evening, it is likely to weaken into a severe cyclonic storm over the extreme northern part of Odisha, officials at IMD Delhi confirmed. 

Earlier, in an IMD bulletin, the weather body said that after the landfall, the system is very likely to continue to move north-northeastwards, weaken gradually and emerge into Gangetic West Bengal as a severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 90-100 kmph gusting to 115 kmph by early Saturday. 

It is very likely to continue to move further north-northeastwards and emerge into Bangladesh on 4 May evening as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph.

Cyclone Fani latest update from Andhra Pradesh

Cyclone Fani has moved away from Andhra Pradesh; IMD issues de-warning

Cyclone Fani has moved away from Andhra Pradesh, confirmed India Met Department. Speaking to ANI , Mrityunjay Mohapatra from IMD, Delhi said, “So, we have issued a de-warning. Three districts in Andhra Pradesh were impacted by heavy rainfall.”

Cyclone Fani latest update from West Bengal

NDRF team deployed at Digha

NDRF team deployed at Digha evacuated total 132 people, including 52 children, from Dattapur and Tajpur. They have been taken to a shelter, ANI reported.

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

‘Everything is flying in Air’, tweets Sambit Patra

Following Cyclone Fani’s landfall in Odisha’s Puri, BJP leader Sambit Patra took to Twitter and prayed for the well being of people in the affected region.

Everything is flying in Air ..have literally turned deaf because of wind sound ..All window panes broken ..difficult indeed ..if this is my condition in a concrete building ..I pray for the lives of millions 🙏

— Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) May 3, 2019

Cyclone Fani latest update from West Bengal

Domestic and international flights from 3 pm to 8 am (Saturday) at Kolkata airport cancelled 

Kolkata airport is functional, however, airport authorities have asked airlines to cancel both domestic and international flights from 3:00 pm on Friday till 8:30 am on Saturday in the wake of cyclone Fani. Technicians and engineers along with emergency systems have been put on standby at Kolkata airport.

SS Parveen/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from West Bengal

Light rain in Jhargram

In Jhargram district of West Bengal, light rain with breeze started midnight onwards. Though the effect of cyclone Fani is yet to be seen in Bengal, the district administration declared high alert to be prepared against a storm-like situation. As the day began, the wind speed increased with a light bout of rain. The district administration opened a control room given the storm alert.

AGhose/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha

Road network in Odisha suffers extensive damage

According to reports, the road network in several districts of Odisha has suffered extensive damage. The power distribution network has also been severely affected. Asbestos sheets of temporary housing facilities have been ripped off.

Cyclone Fani latest update from Andhra Pradesh

Fani leaves a trail of destruction in Andhra Pradesh

Fani leaves a trail of destruction in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district. Coconut plantations bore the brunt of high-velocity winds that marked the cyclone hitting the coast. Electric poles have been twisted at several places.

Nagaraja Gali/101Reporters

Mamata cancels all rallies for next 48 hours

Mamata Banerjee cancelled all her rallies for the next 48 hours “because of what could be an impending disaster.” The West Bengal chief minister tweeted: “We are monitoring the situation 24×7 and doing all it takes. I appeal to all people to cooperate. Be alert, take care and stay safe for the next two days.”

Have cancelled my rallies for the next 48 hours because of what could be an impending disaster #CyclonicStormFANI We are monitoring the situation 24x7 and doing all it takes. I appeal to all people to cooperate. Be alert, take care and stay safe for the next two days

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) May 3, 2019

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha

Visuals from Puri in Odisha 

The eye of the storm completely hit the landmass at 10.00 am in Odisha. According to IMD,  in Puri, winds are blowing at a maximum speed of 240-245 kmph and heavy to very heavy rains are continuing over the Odisha coast. 

#CycloneFani making landfall at Puri of #Odisha coast, Wind speed roaring up to 140 kms/per, The video shows the intensity of the cyclone which can predict the aftermath effects! #FaniCyclone pic.twitter.com/dzmdXSZtuD

— Sanjeevee sadagopan (@sanjusadagopan) May 3, 2019

Cyclone Fani latest update from West Bengal

Cyclone Fani 435 kilometres away from West Bengal 

Fani is currently 435 kilometres away from Kolkata and 380 kilometres away from Digha in West Bengal.

The weather, however, has started detoriorating in the coastal areas. Thousands of passengers were stranded in Howrah and Sealdah Railway stations as the South Eastern Railways cancelled 233 trains to Odisha/ Digha have been cancelled to prevent any mishaps. The Kolkata airport will also shut all operations from 6 pm on Friday till 9.30pm on Saturday. The airport is partially functioning as of now.

A Ghose/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from Andhra Pradesh

North Coastal Andhra faces flood threat

North coastal Andhra Pradesh is facing a flood threat as Cyclone Fani has crossed the Indian coast 15 kilometres off Gopalpur in Odisha. Rivers originating from Odisha are expected to be in spate, Srikakulam collector, J Nivas said.

Input by Nagaraja Gali/101Reporters

Storm likely to weaken after landfall, move towards West Bengal, Bangladesh by today evening 

According to the latest IMD bulletin, the impact is likely to reduce and Cyclone Fani is likely to move towards West Bengal coast. The system is very likely to continue to move north-northeastwards, weaken gradually and emerge into Gangetic West Bengal as a severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 90-100 kmph gusting to 115 kmph by early Saturday.

Cyclone Fani will weaken into a deep depression by the time it reaches Bangladesh.

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

Rain and strong winds hit Bhubaneswar

Cyclone Fani hits Puri coast with wind speed of above 175km/per hour, reports have said. 

#WATCH Rain and strong winds hit Bhubaneswar as #FANI cyclone hits Puri coast with wind speed of above 175km/per hour. pic.twitter.com/QZYkk1EALI

— ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2019

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

Mamata Banerjee stays in Kharagpur to monitor evacuation on ground zero

Mamata Banerjee to stay in Kharagpur, near to the coastal belt and monitor the situation herself staying on the ground zero. She will stay in Kharagpur on Friday and Saturday. All the political campaigns of Mamata have been cancelled due to advent of Fani. 

On Thursday, Narendra Modi also postponed his rallies scheduled in Odisha. 

A.Ghose/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

Winds in Puri blowing at 245 kmph

Winds in Puri are blowing at a maximum speed of 240-245 km per hour and heavy to very heavy rains are continuing over the Odisha coast, ANI reported quoting officials at IMD Hyderabad. After landfall, the impact is likely to reduce and it is likely to move towards West Bengal coast, the IMD confirmed.

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

Fani to move north northeastwards and cross Gopalpur and Chandbali before 11 am

According to the latest IMD bulletin , the extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani is very likely to move north-northeastwards and cross Odisha Coast between Gopalpur and Chandbali, close to Puri before 11 am with maximum sustained wind speed of 170-180 kmph gusting to 200 kmph. After the landfall., the system is very likely to continue to move north-northeastwards, weaken gradually and emerge into Gangetic West Bengal as a severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 90-100 kmph gusting to 115 kmph by early Saturday. 

It is very likely to continue to move further north-northeastwards and emerge into Bangladesh on 4 May evening as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph.

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

Bhubaneswar water-logged after heavy showers early morning today

Several streets of Bhubaneswar are now water-logged after a few hours of heavy rains on Friday morning. Transportation within the city was severely affected due to the rains. 

Sonali Singh/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

WATCH: Live simulation of Cyclone Fani shows how dangerously close it to India’s East coast. To watch the live video visit https://earth.nullschool.net  

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

This live simulation of Cyclone Fani shows how dangerously close it is to the East coast

Anyone with an internet connection can track and identify the wind patterns and speed in a particular area. Visit Earth.nullschool to see the speed, location and wind patterns of Cyclone Fani hovering near Odisha. The images give a clear idea of the threat and potential destruction coming along with the cyclone. To watch the live video visit Earth . 

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

WATCH: Satpada in Puri one of the worst affected areas in Odisha

Visuals from Satapada area in Puri district. According to sources, Satapada is one of the worst affected area in Odisha. 

Bibhuti Mohapatro/101Reporters

Visuals from Nachuni in Khurda district

Video by Bibhutu Mohapatro/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

Severe cyclonic storm Fani made landfall at 8 am

Part of the eye lies over land at 8.30 am. The entire process of eye entering into the land will be completed in next two hours. Current wind speed of the storm is 175 to 185 kmph in Puri gusting to 195 kmph. Puri reported maximum sustained windspeed of 142 km/h gusting to 174 km/h at 7:30 am today.

Bibhuti Mohapatro/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

The Puri district administration has arranged system of announcements and warnings from many government building in Puri. Many shelter homes also have warning announcements. The administration is making regular announcements on the status of the cyclone, dos and donts and informing the citizens about government assistance provided.

Sonali Singh/101reporters​

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

Windspeed is not the only worry, experts warn of tidal surge

Reports said that even with a wind speed of 175 kmph gusting up to 200 kmph, that is not just the worry with Cyclone Fani. The tidal surge, which experts have predicted could go up to 30 feet, that will submerge several coastal and low lying areas.

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh Power Distribution Corporation asks people to remain alert

Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Corporation Ltd has cautioned public to be more alert regarding any untoward power accidents during the storm.

Similarly, 12,000 poles, 50 cranes, 40 pole drilling machines, 40 generators, 70 power saws, 2,000 transformers, wires, conductors, cross arms, insulators were already sent to the cyclone-affected areas and in addition, other necessary items are being procured.

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

WATCH: Coastal town of Digha; impact of landfall process has begun

Visuals from coastal town of Digha in West Bengal as Cyclone Fani is expected to make landfall in Odisha’s Puri district by 11 am. According to the India Met department, the impact of landfall process has begun.

#WATCH Visuals from coastal town of Digha in West Bengal as #CycloneFani is expected to make landfall in Odisha's Puri district by 11 am. According to the Met Dept, the impact of landfall process has begun. pic.twitter.com/R5iJY4vjGD

— ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2019

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

One of the strongest landfalling cyclones in the country’s recorded history: Experts

Cyclone Fani is making landfall right now near Puri in Odisha as a Category 4 storm. Meteorologists have dubbed the extremely severe storm as one of the strongest landfalling cyclones in the country’s recorded history.

UPDATE: Cyclone #Fani is making landfall right now near Puri, India as a Category 4 -- one of the strongest landfalling cyclones in the country's recorded history. pic.twitter.com/TDfalErBJR

— Eric Holthaus (@EricHolthaus) May 3, 2019

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

Cyclone Fani landfall process begins 

Cyclone Fani reaches close to Odisha coast Puri. The wind speed of the storm is 175 kmph. The eye of the storm will hit the landmass at point of time now, said Odisha Special Relief Commissioner Bishnupada Sethi.

Bibhuti Mohapatro/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

Fishermen in Penthakata village leave their houses for relief centers

Puri: Fishermen in Penthakata village leave their houses for relief centers as #CycloneFani is expected to make a landfall here later today; #visuals from May 2. #Odisha pic.twitter.com/dJfC8jxb72

— ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2019

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

Danger signals hoisted at ports in Andhra Pradesh

Great danger signal no. 10 kept hoisted at Kalingapatnam, Bheemunipatnam ports. Great danger signal no. 8 hoisted at Visakhapatnam and Gangavaram ports, ANI reported. Local cautionary signal no. 3 kept hoisted at Machilipatnam, Krishnapatnam, Nizamapatnam, Kakinada and Vadarevu ports. 

Cyclone Warning Center, Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh): Local cautionary signal no. 3 kept hoisted at Machilipatnam, Krishnapatnam, Nizamapatnam, Kakinada & Vadarevu ports. #CycloneFani https://t.co/nI5qrY6DuR

— ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2019

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

50 buses to ply to Digha to evacuate 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 the inconvenience caused due to suspension of train operations to Digha. (ANI)

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

VISUALS FROM PURI BEACH

 Strong winds and rainfall hit Puri. 

#WATCH Odisha: Strong winds and rainfall hit Puri. #CycloneFani is expected to make a landfall in Puri district today. Visuals from near Puri Beach. pic.twitter.com/Wc9i851CNY

— ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2019

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

10 more trains cancelled: Railways had earlier scrapped 147 trains 

It has further been decided to cancel 10 more trains — 7 trains on 3 May, one train on 4 May, one train on 6 May and one train on 7 May. Railways had earlier cancelled 147 trains from 1 to 3 May, ANI reported.

These trains were supposed to pass in Bhadrak-Vizianagaram Railway section of Howrah-Chennai Main Line during cyclone time and some were supposed to originate and ending its journey at Puri or at Bhubaneswar.

Bibhuti Mohapatro/101Reporters

East Coast Railway: It has further been decided to cancel 10 more trains - 7 trains on 3rd May, one train on 4th May, one train on 6th May & one train on 7th May. Railways had earlier cancelled 147 trains from 1st to 3rd May. #CyclonicStormFANI pic.twitter.com/uuTAseYHLr

— ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2019

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

Cyclone Fani next to 1999 Super Cyclone which battered Odisha

According to reports , this could be the first time since the 1999 Super Cyclone that Odisha will bear the brunt of such a severe storm. The 1999 cyclone killed nearly 10,000 people and battered the state with winds of 270-300 km/h. Cyclone Fani is expected to remain “extremely severe” for four to six hours after landfall, IMD officials said. It will then gradually weaken, reports said.

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

Over 1 million moved to safety: Cyclone Fani likely to affect 10,000 villages in 14 districts in Odisha

More than a million people are being moved to safety as tense Odisha battens down the hatches to take on the might of the “extremely severe” Cyclone Fani, which is set to make landfall near Puri between 8 am and 10 am on Friday. Fani is likely to affect over 10,000 villages and 52 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in 14 districts of the state.

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

Rainfall reported in Odisha, Andhra’s coastal towns, including Gopalpur, Puri 

Moderate to heavy rainfall was reported from costal Odisha towns including Gopalpur and Puri. The two Odisha towns also reported gusty winds, with the windspeed reaching speed of 53 knots 100 kmph) and 38 knots (70 kmph) for Gopalpur and Puri respectively. Here is the overnight rainfall data untill 6.30 am today morning.

• Gopalpur – 15 cm 
• Puri – 10 cm 
• Bhubaneswar – 5 cm 
• Paradeep – 3 cm
• Chandbali – 3 cm
• Balasore – 3 cm
• Kalingapatnam – 9 cm

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha

IMD’s latest bulletin says Fani centred just 80 km from temple town of Puri

The Indian Meteorological Department’s morning bulletin states that the extremely severe Cyclone Fani law centered about 80 kilometres south-southwest of Puri, 65 kilometres southeast of Gopalpur and 280 kilometres east-northeast of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.  

THE EXTREMELY SEVERE CYCLONIC STORM “FANI” LAY CENTERED AT 0630 HOURS IST OF TODAY, 03rd MAY, 2019 NEAR LAT. 19.10N AND LONG. 85.50E OVER NW & ADJOINING WC BoB ABOUT 80 KM SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF PURI, 65 KM SOUTHEAST OF GOPALPUR AND 280 KM EAST-NORTHEAST OF VISAKHAPATNAM.

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) May 3, 2019

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha

Cyclone Fani likely to make landfall between 8 and 10 am 

The extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani is very likely to move north-northeastwards and cross Odisha coast near Puri between 8 and 10 am with maximum sustained wind speed of 170-180 kmph gusting to 200 kmph. The landfall process is very likely to continue till noon/ late afternoon of 3rd May.

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha

Odisha seeks additional 20 units of NDRF

Considering the possible impact of ’extremely severe’ Cyclone Fani, the Odisha government has sought 20 additional units of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The additional units will be deployed at various districts which will be affected due to the cyclone. At present, 28 NDRF teams are positioned in 14 districts. Apart from NDRF teams, 20 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and 525 fire service personnel have been deployed at various places of coastal and adjourning districts.

Input by Bibhuti Mohapatro/101Reporters

Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha​

State govt seeks additional 20 units of NDRF

Considering the possible impact of extreme severe cyclone Fani, the Odisha government has sought 20 additional units of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The additional units will be deployed at various districts which will be affected due to the cyclone.

At present, 28 NDRF teams are positioned in 14 districts. Apart from NDRF teams, 20 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and 525 fire service personnel have been deployed at various places of coastal and adjourning districts.

Input by Bibhuti Mohapatro/101Reporters

Coast Guard positions 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. 

Fani is billed to be 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.

PTI