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Cyclone Fani: Rs 1,000 crore released in advance for affected states, says PM Modi

Cyclone Fani: Rs 1,000 crore released in advance for affected states, says PM Modi

PM Narendra Modi at a public rally

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released Rs 1,000 crore in advance forcyclone Fani-affected states on Friday, news agency PTI reported after Fani slammed Odisha and forced a million people to flee.

Earlier in the day, Odisha and adjoining regions were battered by the extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani which made landfall in Puri district with a wind speed of around 245 kmph, according to India Meteorological Department.

"Centre stands with people in states facing severe cyclone," PM Modi said in a rally at Rajasthan's Hindaun city.

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The storm is now likely moving towards West Bengal coast, IMD informed.

Two people have also been killed due to the cyclone while large areas in the seaside pilgrim town of Puri were submerged with water as heavy rains battered the entire coastal belt of the state.

Several trees were also uprooted and thatched structures destroyed at some places including Bhubaneswar.

Indian Navy's P-8I and Dornier have been scheduled to be launched in the afternoon for undertaking an aerial survey to assess the extent of impact and devastation post-Fani.

Meanwhile, Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee cancelled all scheduled rallies for next two days. Banerjee will stay in Kharagpur in West Bengal, near the coastal belt and monitor the situation herself.

(With inputs from agencies)