Chennai: Cyclone Fani, one of the biggest to hit Indian shores in decades, wreaked havoc in Odisha. The death toll as of today has risen to 15 with many people reported missing as communications is down.
Prime Minister Modi has announced the release of Rs 1000 crore immediate assistance to the Odisha and West Bengal which are affected by the cyclone.
A trail of destruction has been left by Cyclone Fani in West Bengal where it made landfall and in Odisha it claimed the maximum number of lives and caused property damage. It has now reached Bangladesh. The official figures of the death toll are still awaited from the Odisha government. Fortunately, no one died in West Bengal due to Fani.
The cyclone, which crossed Odisha coast close to Puri coast between 8 am and 10 am on Friday reached a maximum wind speed of around 175 Kmph and caused huge damage in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, and Khordha districts in the State, according to Indian Meteorological Department.
Navy steps in
The Naval Dornier Aircraft was deployed to carry out an aerial survey of Odisha to assess the impact of the “Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm’ Fani crossing coast near Puri,” a statement said.
According to a press release, “The Navy observed extensive devastation to vegetation in many places around Puri. The Dornier crew observed very strong winds of nearly 50 knots during the sortie. The footage of the aerial survey is being shared with the State Administration officials for planning relief and rehabilitation activities.”
Quick Reaction Teams
An Indian Navy spokesperson said, “Quick Reaction Team (QRT) from the Premier Naval Training Establishment, INS Chilka located in Odisha was immediately deployed to provide emergency assistance in cutting and clearing of trees which had fallen in the approaches as well as over the primary school in the nearby village of Gadadwar in Khurdha District. The school was functioning as a shelter station and was also the venue for community kitchen to cater to Fani victims.”
PM announces Rs 1,000 crores
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced Rs 1,000 crores for the States affected by the cyclone as initial aid. The Prime Minister also tweeted that he spoke to the governors of West Bengal and Odisha and Odisha Chief Minister Patnaik to know about the ground situation.
In a series of tweets, Modi said: “Spoke to Shri Keshari Nath Tripathi Ji, the Governor of West Bengal on the situation due to Cyclone Fani. Reiterated the Centre’s readiness to provide all help needed to cope with the cyclone. Also conveyed my solidarity with the people of Bengal in the wake of Cyclone Fani.”
“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,” added in another tweet.
Modi also tweeted, “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.”
Naveen Patnaik chairs meeting
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik chaired a review meeting with the Chief Secretary as well as senior officers of the State.
Patnaik, while briefing media after the meeting, said over 12 lakh people had been evacuated in 24 hours to safer locations in the State. He also mentioned that officials would take stock of the situation at length once the cyclonic storm crosses Odisha.
Special train from Bhubaneswar to Bengaluru
The Indian Railways has decided to run a special train for the convenience of passengers from Bhubaneswar to Bangalore this evening.
This special train with number 08463 will leave Bhubaneswar at 7 pm today and will reach Bangalore at 1.35 pm 6 May.
Air India gesture
The national carrier Air India today resumed flight operations at the Kolkata airport, which was closed on Friday in the wake of Cyclone Fani which has now reached Bangladesh.
According to news agency ANI, the Air India resumed flight operations around 9.45 am today. The national carrier meanwhile, announced free of cost shipping of relief material for the Cyclone Fani victims on its flights from Delhi to Odisha.