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Cyclone Fani in Odisha, West Bengal, Manipur LATEST News and updates: The Kolkata airport is currently operational, reports said. The first departure that took off around 10.30 is of AI723 for Bagdogra and first arrival GoAir 101 Delhi to Kolkata landed around the same time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he is planning to visit Odisha to take stock of the situation in the wake of Cyclone Fani on 6 May, Monday. It also happens to be the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha election. Cyclone Fani, one of the worst storms to hit the Indian subcontinent, is likely to weaken into a deep depression and move into Bangladesh by noon, the IMD said. The Indian Meteorological Department on Saturday morning said that the cyclone has weakened into a ‘cyclonic storm’ and is centered 60 kilometres north-west of West Bengal’s capital, Kolkata. Based on latest weather update flight operations to resume at Kolkata Airport from 8am today. Airport authority has advised passengers to check with the concerned airlines for any changes in the flight timings**.** Cyclone Fani has passed from Odisha and arrived in West Bengal in early hours of Saturday after it crossed Kharagpur. The cyclonic storm is expected to continue further in North-East direction with the wind speed of 90 km/hour, reported ANI Cyclone 'Fani ’ 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, officials said. The extremely severe cyclonic storm ‘Fani’ or the ‘Hood of Snake’ made landfall around 8 am in Puri, with roaring winds flattening huts, enveloping the pilgrim town in sheets of rain, and submerging homes. 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. At least eight people have been reported dead so far, senior officials said, adding information was still awaited from many areas. While three people, including a teenage boy, were reported killed in Puri district, three perished 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, official sources said. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who reviewed the situation, 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. [caption id=“attachment_6568311” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Odisha’s Puri was one of the areas worst affected by Cyclone Fani. PTI[/caption] The chief minister said since the cyclone is still passing through Odisha, it will take time to make an assessment of the damage. The cyclonic system, whose eye is around 28 km wide, moved at around 30 kmph, Director of the Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, H R Biswas said soon after Fani made the landfall. But within the system, the winds reached speeds of up to 175 kilometers per hour that gusted up to 200 kmph, leaving in their wake uprooted trees and thatched structures, including in the state capital Bhubaneswar. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) DIG Randeep Rana said not many casualties were reported so far as precautionary measures were in place. The chief minister said nearly 12 lakh people were evacuated and shifted to safer locations within 24 hours ahead of the cyclone from about 10,000 villages and 52 urban agglomerations in probably the largest such exercise at the time of a natural calamity in the country. The evacuees have been accommodated in over 4,000 shelters, including 880 specially designed cyclone centres where free cooked food is being served to them, he said. After the landfall, the system is passing through Khurda, Cuttack, Jajpur, Bhadrak and Balasore before it would enter West Bengal, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) BP Sethi said, adding that Bhubaneswar was hit by high velocity wind of around 140 kmph. Telecommunication lines got snapped in several parts of state capital Bhubaneswar and several other areas. Mobile towers were damaged and power supply was disconnected in many places. Large-scale damage to thatched and old houses was reported from Puri, Khurda and Cuttack districts, he said. Summer crops, orchards and plantations also suffered huge damage, he said. National TV channels showed videos claimed to have been shot by residents of Bhubaneswar where a bus was seen bobbing under the impact of the windstorm before flipping on its side. A police booth was dragged some 200 ft on a highway by furious winds, while a massive crane alongside a multi- storeyed under-construction building collapsed on a row of empty huts, jolted by the howling storm. Flight operations at Bhubaneswar airport remained suspended on Friday, while Paradip and Gopalpur ports were also closed as a precautionary measures. Around 220 trains on Howrah-Chennai route have been cancelled keeping in view passengers’ safety, an East Coast Railway (ECoR) official said. As Fani pummelled Odisha, neighbouring West Bengal braced itself for its fury. The sky was overcast in Kolkata and several other places since Friday morning as rain came in spurts, inundating several parts of the state capital. Traffic snarls were reported from different places in the city. The storm brought down the political temperature, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee cancelling all her election rallies that were planned over the next 48 hours and getting down to monitoring the situation. “The eye of the storm is likely to be weakened when it enters West Bengal. The wind speed will be around 100 kmph to 110 kmph,” an official of the meteorological department said. A red alert has been issued in coastal areas and fishermen have been asked not to venture into the sea. Several districts including East and West Midnapore, North and South 24 Parganas 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. No flights will depart or arrive at Kolkata airport from 3 pm. Friday to 8 am Saturday, aviation regulator DGCA said in New Delhi. With inputs from PTI
Cyclone Fani Updates: Kolkata airport operational as planes take off and land; Air India extends free service for delivery of relief material
Cyclone Fani LIVE Updates: The Kolkata airport is currently operational, reports said. The first departure that took off around 10.30 is of AI723 for Bagdogra and first arrival GoAir 101 Delhi to Kolkata landed around the same time.
 "Cyclone Fani Updates: Kolkata airport operational as planes take off and land; Air India extends free service for delivery of relief material")
Most trains under Eastern Railway remain cancelled
Visuals from the Howrah station in West Bengal show many people stranded as a lot of the trains under the jurisdiction of East Coast Railway still remain cancelled.
Input by A Ghose
Cyclone Fani weakens into ‘deep depression’ and centres over Bangladesh
The IMD tweeted that Cyclone Fani has weakened into a deep depression and has moved further towards Bangladesh. A tweet said, “The Cyclone ‘FANI’ over Gangetic West Bengal moved further east-northeastwards & weakened into a Deep Depression, lay centred at 0830 hrs IST over Bangladesh near lat 23.6°N & long 88.8°E. It is very likely to move northeastwards, weaken further into a Depression during next 06 hrs.”
The CS ‘FANI’ over Gangetic West Bengal moved further east-northeastwards & weakened into a Deep Depression, lay centred at 0830 hrs IST over Bangladesh near lat 23.6°N & long 88.8°E. It is very likely to move northeastwards, weaken further into a Depression during next 06 hrs. pic.twitter.com/VzDrqMJK2F
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) May 4, 2019
Buildings damaged by Cyclone Fani in Kharagpur
A lot of buildings were damaged in Ramnagar’s Block number 1 in East Midnapore’s Kharagpur. Affected people have been taken to shelter homes by the administration.
Input by A Ghose
#CycloneFani left a trail of destruction to life, property as the storm moved from #Odisha to #WestBengal on Friday & Saturday. The storm caused collapse of several structures, specifically in #Kharagpur. Follow LIVE #CycloneFaniUpdates: https://t.co/p8OnjyfJiH pic.twitter.com/SJNFX0GUNM
— Firstpost (@firstpost) May 4, 2019
Buildings damaged by Cyclone Fani in Kharagpur
After wreaking havoc in Odisha, Cyclone Fani created a lot of destruction in various parts of West Bengal. A lot of buildings were damaged in Ramnagar’s Block number 1 in East Midnapore’s Kharagpur. Affected people have been taken to shelter homes by the administration.
Input by A Ghose
Residents resort to government shelters in Midnapore
Cyclone Fani has left a trail of destruction to life and property as the storm moved from Odisha to West Bengal on Friday and Saturday. The storm caused the collapse of several structures, specifically in East Midnapore’s Kharagpur. Residents have been shifted to the government shelter. A number of trees have also gotten uprooted in the wee hours on Saturday.
Input by A Ghose
Kolkata airport resumes operations
The Kolkata airport is currently operational, reports said. The first departure that took off around 10.30 is of AI723 for Bagdogra and first arrival GoAir 101 Delhi to Kolkata landed around the same time.
Bangladeshi authorities say 4,00,000 people have been shifted to shelters
Around 400,000 people have been taken to shelters, Bangladeshi officials told AFP on Saturday, as Cyclone Fani headed towards the country. The storm is expected to weaken into a ‘deep depression’ by noon.
Cyclone Fani no more a threat for West Bengal, say reports
As Cyclone Fani moves toward Bangladesh, state governments and the Centre are taking stock of the damage in the wake of the storm. In West Bengal, Digha was reportedly expected to face a major impact of the cyclone. However, the situation seemed to be calm on Saturday morning despite heavy rainfall at night.
The MET department in Alipore was quoted by reports as saying that there was no more threat from this Cyclone Fani for West Bengal, as it is heading towards Bangladesh.
Narendra Modi to visit Odisha on 6 May
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he is planning to visit Odisha to take stock of the situation in the wake of Cyclone Fani on 6 May, Monday. It also happens to be the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha eleciton.
Day after tomorrow, on the 6th morning, I will be going to Odisha to take stock of the situation arising in the wake of Cyclone Fani.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 4, 2019
Effects of Cyclone Fani felt at Everest Base Camp
The winds were felt as far away as Mount Everest, with tents blown away at Camp 2 at 6,400 metres (21,000 feet) and Nepali authorities cautioning helicopters against flying.
The Nepali government issued a warning that heavy snowfall was expected in the higher mountain areas with rain and storms lower down, and asked trekking agencies to take tourists to safety.
Hundreds of climbers, their guides, cooks, and porters huddled at the Everest base camp, according to Pemba Sherpa of Xtreme Climbers Trek, who said weather and visibility were poor. May is the best month to climb the 8,850-foot Everest when Nepal experiences a few windows of good weather to scale the peak.
“It is still the beginning of the month, so there is no reason for climbers to worry” that weather from the cyclone will cost them their chance to reach the summit, Sherpa said.
(AFP and AP)
Bhubaneshwar airport to resume operations by 1 pm today
Equipment at Bhubaneswar airport has been significantly damaged but flight operations are expected to begin by 1 pm on Saturday, the civil aviation ministry said in a statement on Friday.
“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,” the statement said.
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.
“There is also considerable damage to the perimeter wall of operational area to the extent of 600 metres at various places. Adequate security arrangements have been made to address the issue,” the ministry said.
Jharkhand govt asks officials to be prepared for aftermath of Cyclone Fani
The Jharkhand government issued an advisory on 3 May, asking all district deputy commissioners to set up control rooms to meet any exigency in the wake of the cyclonic storm ‘Fani’.
An official release, quoting the regional meteorological department, said from the afternoon of 3 May to 4 May, widespread rains accompanied by strong winds will occur in all the 24 districts of the state.
(PTI)
Visuals from Jagatsinghpur in Odisha
In Odisha, damage was caused to life and property as Cyclone Fani barreled into the state on Friday.
#Odisha: Visuals from Balarampur village, Jagatsinghpur. #CycloneFani hit the region, yesterday. pic.twitter.com/uPOQ5RjrHv
— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2019
Air India to resume operations at Kolkata airport at 09.45 am
Air India is likely to resume operations at Kolkata airport soon, ANI reported.
Cyclone Fani approaches Murshidabad in West Bengal
Cyclone Fani is approaching Nadia and Murshidabad in West Bengal, and is expected to enter Bangladesh by the end of the day. Kolkata was not very affected by the storm.
Both 24 Parganas (North and South), Arambagh, Hooghly and Howrah areas got heavy rainfall due to Fani, and East Medinipur, Nandkumar areas Kumarwara witnessed strong winds and a few houses were affected.
Input by A Ghose
Narendra Modi speaks to Odisha governor
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that he had discussed the aftermath of Cyclone Fani in Odisha with the state’s governor, Ganeshi Lal. He said, “Assured all possible help from the Centre to the sisters and brothers of Odisha, who are showing exemplary courage in the face of a natural disaster.”
Had a discussion with Odisha Governor Professor Ganeshi Lal Ji on the situation in the state due to Cyclone Fani. Assured all possible help from the Centre to the sisters and brothers of Odisha, who are showing exemplary courage in the face of a natural disaster.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 4, 2019
Air India extends services for relief material free of cost
Air India has offered to deliver relief material to affected areas in Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu free of cost, NDTV reported.
WATCH: Aerial view of inundation around Puri after Cyclone Fani
Cyclone Fani left extensive damage in Odisha’s Puri district when it made landfall on Friday morning. The cyclone moved into West Bengal via Kharagpur early on Saturday morning, after leaving eight people dead in Odisha.
Aerial view from a Navy Dornier of extensive inundation around Puri caused by #CycloneFani
— PIB India (@PIB_India) May 4, 2019
Video courtesy PRO, Defence #FaniUpdates (1/2)@indiannavy @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/EEXCyKBsBp
Road-clearing being undertaken in Digha
Cyclone Fani hit West Bengal early on Saturday morning after leaving eight dead in Odisha. In Digha, authorities undertook clearing trees from the road as the weather cleared in the area.
West Bengal: Clearing of uprooted trees from the road underway in Digha, weather clear. #CycloneFani pic.twitter.com/xMg1mdpNdn
— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2019
Cyclone to move into Bangladesh by noon
Cyclone Fani, one of the worst storms to hit the Indian subcontinent, is likely to weaken into a deep depression and move into Bangladesh by noon, the IMD said.
Cyclone Fani weakens to ‘cyclonic storm’, around 60 kilometres away from Kolkata
The Indian Meteorological Department on Saturday morning said that the cyclone has weakened into a ‘cyclonic storm’ and is centered 60 kilometres north-west of West Bengal’s capital, Kolkata.
NSUI asks to postpone NEET in view of Cyclone Fani having affected several states
The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) Goa President, Ahraz Mulla has written a letter to the President, Prime Minister and Union HRD Ministry requesting them to postpone NEET exam, in view of difficulties faced by students due to cyclone ‘Fani’ in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
“NEET exam for medical entrance needs a lot of concentration and dedication with the preparation of at least 2 years. The cyclone FANI that has reached the coastal belt of East India has created destruction, with no power supply and other unavailability of other basic needs,” the letter reads.
“The students have dedicated 2 years to clear this test, but due to the cyclone it would not be right to conduct this test for the entire country considering the fact that it is an All India Exam with admission based on merit,” the letter further stated.
Civic authorities and disaster management groups in Kolkata on high alert
Civic authorities and disaster management groups in Kolkata have been on alert in different wards since Friday. However, Kolkata experienced waterlogging, collapsing trees, which prompted civic authorities to immediately clear roads and press emergency services into action.
Corporation and booth level areas were monitoring closely and night shelters were kept ready on Friday night. An NDRF team working to clear the uprooted trees. No such casualties in West Bengal as of now.
Input by SS Parveen
Eastern Railway services resume, trains slightly delayed
The Eastern Railway has resumed services as usual in Howrah, Sealdah, Asansol and Malda divisions since early morning on Saturday. Trains may be running slightly delayed due to the strict observance of safety stipulations. The condition of the train services are constantly being closely monitored.
Input by SS Parveen
Narendra Modi speaks to Naveen Patnaik, says ‘assured support’ to continue from Centre
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated support to the Odisha government in view of Cyclone Fani, as the storm passed from the state after leaving eight dead. The storm is now heading in the north-east direction from West Bengal.
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 4, 2019
The entire nation stands in solidarity with all those affected by the cyclone in different parts.
Flight operations resume at Kolkata airport
Based on latest weather update flight operations to resume at Kolkata Airport from 8am today. Airport authority has advised passengers to check with the concerned airlines for any changes in the flight timings.
Input by SS Parveen/101Reporters
Cyclone Fani latest update from Odisha
Bhubaneswar Airport to resume operations at 1 pm on Saturday
Update on resumption of Operations at #Bhubaneswar airport. @AAI_Official @HMOIndia @PIB_India @PIBHindi @aaibpiairport pic.twitter.com/5dvvLeX0yA
— MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) May 3, 2019
Cyclone Fani to lose intensity by afternoon
Cyclone Fani hit Kharagpur in West Bengal at around 12.30 am with a wind speed of 60 to 70 kilometre per hour. Then it crossed Arambagh, Hooghly and Kolkata. The cyclone is slowly weakening as it moves towards Bangladesh. Heavy rains are expected in Kolkata till Saturday afternoon.
(Visuals from Kolkata)
Input by SS Parveen/101Reporters
Cyclone Fani latest update from West Bengal
Severe storm hits West Bengal after crossing Kharagpur, to continue north-eastward at 90 kmph
Cyclone Fani has passed from Odisha and arrived in West Bengal in early hours of Saturday after it crossed Kharagpur. The cyclonic storm is expected to continue further in North-East direction with the wind speed of 90 km/hour, reported ANI.
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