The state government is working in close coordination with the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu to bring back the mortal remains of Odisha's first woman mountaineer, Kalpana Dash, who died while descending from world's highest peak.

"The Embassy informed the department late in the evening that the Search and Rescue operation will be launched tonight, on May 24, through a professional local agency, whereby a group of at least 10 Sherpas will be climbing Mt Everest to retrieve the body of Ms Dash. Currently, the body is near to the peak of Mt Everest at a location called Balcony at a height of 8600m," Department of Sports and Youth Services said in a press release.

Indian Embassy in Kathmandu also informed the Odisha government that Mt Everest will be closed for this season by May 27 and all efforts are being made to bring the body within the deadline.

"Apart from Dash, two other Indian climbers also died and efforts are on to retrieve their mortal remains as well. Once the body is brought to Base camp and then to Kathmandu, the government will facilitate the travel of family members to bring back the mortal remains of Dash to Bhubaneswar," the statement further read.

After the incident on May 23, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik took to the micro-blogging website and said, "Saddened to learn about the demise of Kalpana Dash while descending from Mt Everest. Her legacy in mountaineering will inspire generations of young women in the state. My condolences to the bereaved family."

A Mumbai-based climber, identified as Anjali S Kulkarni, too breathed her last above the Camp IV of Mount Everest at an altitude of 7,906 metres.

Thupden Sherpa, an official at Arun Treks expedition company informed that Kulkarni had successfully made it to the summit with her husband on Wednesday morning.

"We are trying to retrieve her body," she added. Another Indian, Dipankar Ghosh, an ace Indian mountaineer had reportedly gone missing on Nepal's mount Makalu last week.

"We are carrying out the search operation of the missing climber in Mount Makalu in coordination with local agents here," an official from the Indian Mission in Nepal had told ANI.

Hundreds of climbers every year attempt to scale the high Himalayan peaks during the popular spring climbing season in Nepal that begins in March and ends in May.&nbsp;

The state government is working in close coordination with the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu to bring back the mortal remains of Odisha's first woman mountaineer, Kalpana Dash, who died while descending from world's highest peak.

The state government is working in close coordination with the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu to bring back the mortal remains of Odisha's first woman mountaineer, Kalpana Dash, who died while descending from world's highest peak. "The Embassy informed the department late in the evening that the Search and Rescue operation will be launched tonight, on May 24, through a professional local agency, whereby a group of at least 10 Sherpas will be climbing Mt Everest to retrieve the body of Ms Dash. Currently, the body is near to the peak of Mt Everest at a location called Balcony at a height of 8600m," Department of Sports and Youth Services said in a press release. Indian Embassy in Kathmandu also informed the Odisha government that Mt Everest will be closed for this season by May 27 and all efforts are being made to bring the body within the deadline. "Apart from Dash, two other Indian climbers also died and efforts are on to retrieve their mortal remains as well. Once the body is brought to Base camp and then to Kathmandu, the government will facilitate the travel of family members to bring back the mortal remains of Dash to Bhubaneswar," the statement further read. After the incident on May 23, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik took to the micro-blogging website and said, "Saddened to learn about the demise of Kalpana Dash while descending from Mt Everest. Her legacy in mountaineering will inspire generations of young women in the state. My condolences to the bereaved family." A Mumbai-based climber, identified as Anjali S Kulkarni, too breathed her last above the Camp IV of Mount Everest at an altitude of 7,906 metres. Thupden Sherpa, an official at Arun Treks expedition company informed that Kulkarni had successfully made it to the summit with her husband on Wednesday morning. "We are trying to retrieve her body," she added. Another Indian, Dipankar Ghosh, an ace Indian mountaineer had reportedly gone missing on Nepal's mount Makalu last week. "We are carrying out the search operation of the missing climber in Mount Makalu in coordination with local agents here," an official from the Indian Mission in Nepal had told ANI. Hundreds of climbers every year attempt to scale the high Himalayan peaks during the popular spring climbing season in Nepal that begins in March and ends in May.

Efforts underway to bring remains of Odisha's first woman mountaineer

Counting of votes for the 21 Lok Sabha seats and 146 Assembly segments in Odisha will be held at 63 different centres across the state amidst tight security on Thursday, a senior election official has said.

Polling was held in 21 Lok Sabha seats and 146 Assembly segments in four different phases on April 11, 18, 23 and 29.

The counting of votes will start from 8 am on Thursday and will be conducted in around 2,500 tables, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S Kumar said on Tuesday.

Each counting hall will have at least seven tables each for Assembly and&nbsp; 
Lok Sabha seats and three officials including a supervisor, a counting assistant and a micro observer will be engaged for each table to ensure free and fair counting of votes, he said.

"Each hall will have 15 tables. Seven tables will be allocated for counting of votes of Lok Sabha seats and seven others for Assembly seats. One more table will be there for postal ballot counting by the returning officer," he said, adding that 6,700 officials have been engaged in vote counting across the state.

The CEO said an observer has been appointed for each counting centre and one observer can take charge of maximum three halls of a centre.

The ECI has granted additional 411 tables for Odisha since the state conducted simultaneous polls for both the Lok Sabha and state Assembly, Kumar said.

Replying a question, he said it has been estimated that each constituency will require an average of 30 rounds of counting. While Sambalpur will record the lowest with 19 rounds of counting per constituency, maximum 49 rounds of counting per constituency will be witnessed in Patnagarh.

The CEO also informed that there has been increase in postal ballots this time which is around 1 lakh against 2014 election's 31,326 postal ballots.

He said counting of postal ballots will be held in the first place and after 30 minutes, the counting of EVM votes will begin.

This will be followed by counting of VVPAT votes, he said, adding that as per the directive of the Supreme Court, the counting of VVPAT votes will be taken up in five booths of each constituency.

"Before actual polling, a mock poll is conducted in each booth. After the mock poll, the presiding officer deletes the mock poll data from the EVM control unit. In case the presiding officer has not deleted the mock poll data, there will be an error. In such cases, the ECI will take a call," he said replying a question.

The polling in Patkura assembly segment in Kendrapara district was postponed in view the death of a candidate and again due to cyclone Fani.&nbsp;

Counting of votes for the 21 Lok Sabha seats and 146 Assembly segments in Odisha will be held at 63 different centres across the state amidst tight security on Thursday, a senior election official has said.

Counting of votes for the 21 Lok Sabha seats and 146 Assembly segments in Odisha will be held at 63 different centres across the state amidst tight security on Thursday, a senior election official has said. Polling was held in 21 Lok Sabha seats and 146 Assembly segments in four different phases on April 11, 18, 23 and 29. The counting of votes will start from 8 am on Thursday and will be conducted in around 2,500 tables, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S Kumar said on Tuesday. Each counting hall will have at least seven tables each for Assembly and Lok Sabha seats and three officials including a supervisor, a counting assistant and a micro observer will be engaged for each table to ensure free and fair counting of votes, he said. "Each hall will have 15 tables. Seven tables will be allocated for counting of votes of Lok Sabha seats and seven others for Assembly seats. One more table will be there for postal ballot counting by the returning officer," he said, adding that 6,700 officials have been engaged in vote counting across the state. The CEO said an observer has been appointed for each counting centre and one observer can take charge of maximum three halls of a centre. The ECI has granted additional 411 tables for Odisha since the state conducted simultaneous polls for both the Lok Sabha and state Assembly, Kumar said. Replying a question, he said it has been estimated that each constituency will require an average of 30 rounds of counting. While Sambalpur will record the lowest with 19 rounds of counting per constituency, maximum 49 rounds of counting per constituency will be witnessed in Patnagarh. The CEO also informed that there has been increase in postal ballots this time which is around 1 lakh against 2014 election's 31,326 postal ballots. He said counting of postal ballots will be held in the first place and after 30 minutes, the counting of EVM votes will begin. This will be followed by counting of VVPAT votes, he said, adding that as per the directive of the Supreme Court, the counting of VVPAT votes will be taken up in five booths of each constituency. "Before actual polling, a mock poll is conducted in each booth. After the mock poll, the presiding officer deletes the mock poll data from the EVM control unit. In case the presiding officer has not deleted the mock poll data, there will be an error. In such cases, the ECI will take a call," he said replying a question. The polling in Patkura assembly segment in Kendrapara district was postponed in view the death of a candidate and again due to cyclone Fani.

Counting of votes to be held in 63 centres in Odisha: Chief Electoral Officer

The Odisha government Friday claimed to have taken adequate steps to avoid the outbreak of an epidemic in the aftermath of cyclone 'Fani'.

"There is no report of any disease outbreak from any parts of the cyclone-affected 14 districts," an official statement said, adding that reports about an outbreak of cholera in a section of media are completely baseless.

Though there have been sporadic reports of diarrhoea cases in Puri and other districts, none of them has taken the form of an epidemic, a health official said, adding that teams have been deployed in all the affected areas to look after health issues.

Health and Family Welfare Secretary PK Meherda has visited the cyclone-affected areas and ensured sufficient stock of essential medicines made available at all health care centres, another official said.

He said National Health Mission (NHM) Director Shalini Pandit is also in continuous touch with the field staff and mobile health units operating in the zone.

At least 89,091 open water sources have been disinfected and 60 samples tested for dengue gave negative results, the official said.

Meanwhile, hot and humid weather has compounded the woes of people living in Puri district as the power supply has still not been restored in the majority of the households there.

Of the 1,58,805 consumers of electricity in the district, the power supply has been restored in 4,800 households, the official said.

In Nimapada block of the district, only 840 households, out of 1,22,549 have been provided electricity, he said.

However, there was no information about other blocks of Puri district like Brahmagiri, Astarang, Chandanpur, Delang, Gadisagada, Kakatpur, Konark, Krushnaprasad, Pipili, Ramachandi and Satyabadi, he added.&nbsp;

The Odisha government Friday claimed to have taken adequate steps to avoid the outbreak of an epidemic in the aftermath of cyclone 'Fani'. "There is no report of any disease outbreak from any parts of the cyclone-affected 14 districts," an official statement said, adding that reports about an outbreak of cholera in a section of media are completely baseless.

The Odisha government Friday claimed to have taken adequate steps to avoid the outbreak of an epidemic in the aftermath of cyclone 'Fani'. "There is no report of any disease outbreak from any parts of the cyclone-affected 14 districts," an official statement said, adding that reports about an outbreak of cholera in a section of media are completely baseless. Though there have been sporadic reports of diarrhoea cases in Puri and other districts, none of them has taken the form of an epidemic, a health official said, adding that teams have been deployed in all the affected areas to look after health issues. Health and Family Welfare Secretary PK Meherda has visited the cyclone-affected areas and ensured sufficient stock of essential medicines made available at all health care centres, another official said. He said National Health Mission (NHM) Director Shalini Pandit is also in continuous touch with the field staff and mobile health units operating in the zone. At least 89,091 open water sources have been disinfected and 60 samples tested for dengue gave negative results, the official said. Meanwhile, hot and humid weather has compounded the woes of people living in Puri district as the power supply has still not been restored in the majority of the households there. Of the 1,58,805 consumers of electricity in the district, the power supply has been restored in 4,800 households, the official said. In Nimapada block of the district, only 840 households, out of 1,22,549 have been provided electricity, he said. However, there was no information about other blocks of Puri district like Brahmagiri, Astarang, Chandanpur, Delang, Gadisagada, Kakatpur, Konark, Krushnaprasad, Pipili, Ramachandi and Satyabadi, he added.

Cyclone Fani: Odisha government says adequate steps taken to avoid outbreak of any epidemic

The Meteorological centre on Wednesday said thunderstorm and lightning are likely to occur in parts of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-cm-naveen-patnaik-writes-to-pm-modi-seeks-centres-help-218444&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi31tvC253iAhUFiXAKHblgDSQQFjAGegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3BHqKPQjs8JE3RyOovMA7p">Odisha </a>today.

The alert comes days after <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/odisha-pegs-cyclone-fani-loss-at-rs-12000-crore-seeks-relaxation-of-norms-218998&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi31tvC253iAhUFiXAKHblgDSQQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3u341gr4spITOS3Ms3oYWR">Cyclone Fani wreaked havoc in the state</a>, claiming the lives of as many as <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-toll-from-cyclone-fani-rises-to-64-after-odisha-confirms-fresh-casualties-218229&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi31tvC253iAhUFiXAKHblgDSQQFjAEegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3g4BVrU5lipJkIqjxNQBOW">64 people.</a>

Odisha's Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) said, "Dangerous thunderstorm and lightning alert for Betanati and Barsahi blocks of Mayurbhanj district and Remuna, Nilagiri and Baleswar blocks of Baleswar district today."

The official also said heavy thunderstorm and lightning is likely in areas such as Thakurmunda, Kaptipada and Hatadihi blocks of Mayurbhanj district, Anandapur and Ghasipura blocks of Keonjhar district, Khaira block of Baleswar district, Bonth and Bhadrak blocks of Bhadrak district.

Meanwhile, Bhubaneswar`s Meteorological Centre said, "Moderate thunderstorm or lightning with light rainfall and gusty wind speed reaching 30 to 40 kmph likely to occur at one or two places over the districts of Anugul, Dhenkanal, Cuttack and Balangir between 3-3.45 pm&nbsp;and 3-6.45 pm.

"Fani made landfall in Odisha on May 3, with Puri recording the maximum number of casualties (39), according to official estimates released by the Odisha government on Saturday.

According to government data, livestock casualties are over 34 lakhs and over one crore sixty-five lakh people were adversely affected by 'Fani'&nbsp;in the state.

The Meteorological centre on Wednesday said thunderstorm and lightning are likely to occur in parts of Odisha today. The alert comes days after Cyclone Fani wreaked havoc in the state, claiming the lives of as many as 64 people.

The Meteorological centre on Wednesday said thunderstorm and lightning are likely to occur in parts of Odisha today. The alert comes days after Cyclone Fani wreaked havoc in the state, claiming the lives of as many as 64 people. Odisha's Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) said, "Dangerous thunderstorm and lightning alert for Betanati and Barsahi blocks of Mayurbhanj district and Remuna, Nilagiri and Baleswar blocks of Baleswar district today." The official also said heavy thunderstorm and lightning is likely in areas such as Thakurmunda, Kaptipada and Hatadihi blocks of Mayurbhanj district, Anandapur and Ghasipura blocks of Keonjhar district, Khaira block of Baleswar district, Bonth and Bhadrak blocks of Bhadrak district. Meanwhile, Bhubaneswar`s Meteorological Centre said, "Moderate thunderstorm or lightning with light rainfall and gusty wind speed reaching 30 to 40 kmph likely to occur at one or two places over the districts of Anugul, Dhenkanal, Cuttack and Balangir between 3-3.45 pm and 3-6.45 pm. "Fani made landfall in Odisha on May 3, with Puri recording the maximum number of casualties (39), according to official estimates released by the Odisha government on Saturday. According to government data, livestock casualties are over 34 lakhs and over one crore sixty-five lakh people were adversely affected by 'Fani' in the state.

Thunderstorm, lightning alert issued for parts of Odisha

The toll due to Cyclone Fani, which left a trail of destruction and devastation through coastal Odisha as it hit the state on May 3, has increased to 64, an official report said on Sunday.

A Cyclone Situation Report released from the office of Special Relief Commissioner said that while 39 deaths have been reported from worst-affected Puri district, nine deaths occurred in Khurdha and six in Cuttack.

According to government data, livestock casualties are over 34 lakhs and over one crore sixty-five lakh people were adversely affected by 'Fani' in the state.&nbsp;

Massive damage to power infrastructure in the state particularly in the districts of Puri, Khurda, Cuttack, and Kendrapada has also been reported.&nbsp;

5030 Kilometers of 33 KV lines, 38613 Km of 11 KV lines, 64304 distribution transformers, and 79485 Km of LT lines are reportedly damaged across the state.

"In Puri district, extensive damages have occurred to kutcha houses. As per report received so far 1,89,095 houses damaged in Puri. Structures of temporary street vendors have been completely damaged. 160 people injured and admitted to hospital for treatment. Special Circuit House Puri, Office and Residence of SP and Collector have been badly damaged like many other buildings," a state government statement said.

"Huge numbers of trees have been uprooted resulting in disruption of road communication. Khordha and Bhubaneswar city have been severely affected," it added.&nbsp;

The government informed that road communication in Ganjam and Gajapati have been completely restored. While road clearance and restoration work in other districts including Bhubaneswar city continue.&nbsp;

Besides, the state government has claimed to restore 100 per cent water supply to Cuttack, Khordha, and Jatni.&nbsp;

Also, Puri, Bhubaneswar, Konark, and Nimapara have already achieved cent per cent restoration of water supply. Cyclone Fani which made landfall in Puri district on May 3 left a trail of destruction in the state.

(With inputs from ANI)

The toll due to Cyclone Fani, which left a trail of destruction and devastation through coastal Odisha as it hit the state on May 3, has increased to 64, an official report said on Sunday.

The toll due to Cyclone Fani, which left a trail of destruction and devastation through coastal Odisha as it hit the state on May 3, has increased to 64, an official report said on Sunday. A Cyclone Situation Report released from the office of Special Relief Commissioner said that while 39 deaths have been reported from worst-affected Puri district, nine deaths occurred in Khurdha and six in Cuttack. According to government data, livestock casualties are over 34 lakhs and over one crore sixty-five lakh people were adversely affected by 'Fani' in the state. Massive damage to power infrastructure in the state particularly in the districts of Puri, Khurda, Cuttack, and Kendrapada has also been reported. 5030 Kilometers of 33 KV lines, 38613 Km of 11 KV lines, 64304 distribution transformers, and 79485 Km of LT lines are reportedly damaged across the state. "In Puri district, extensive damages have occurred to kutcha houses. As per report received so far 1,89,095 houses damaged in Puri. Structures of temporary street vendors have been completely damaged. 160 people injured and admitted to hospital for treatment. Special Circuit House Puri, Office and Residence of SP and Collector have been badly damaged like many other buildings," a state government statement said. "Huge numbers of trees have been uprooted resulting in disruption of road communication. Khordha and Bhubaneswar city have been severely affected," it added. The government informed that road communication in Ganjam and Gajapati have been completely restored. While road clearance and restoration work in other districts including Bhubaneswar city continue. Besides, the state government has claimed to restore 100 per cent water supply to Cuttack, Khordha, and Jatni. Also, Puri, Bhubaneswar, Konark, and Nimapara have already achieved cent per cent restoration of water supply. Cyclone Fani which made landfall in Puri district on May 3 left a trail of destruction in the state. (With inputs from ANI)

Death toll from Cyclone Fani rises to 64 after Odisha confirms fresh casualties

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought help from the Centre for Odisha in view of the large-scale destruction by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-around-20-lakh-trees-uprooted-in-odisha-218405">Cyclone Fani</a> in the coastal areas of the state.

The letter mainly sought relief for construction of houses given the widespread destruction caused by the severe cyclonic storm earlier this month.

"I would request you to kindly consider sanctioning 5 lakh (houses) under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Special houses initially for the state of Odisha. As was mentioned during the presentation made on May 6, I reiterate our request for waiver of the Permanent Wait List (PWL) criterion for this particular allocation and also consider a Centre-State fund sharing pattern of 90:10 as a special case," the letter read.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief also said that his government is currently working on a detailed house damage assessment and would soon come out with a report.

"According to preliminary estimation, about 5 lakh houses have been completely or substantially damaged across 14 districts with the major loss occurring in Puri district. While the people of the affected districts have gone through immense hardship, the loss of shelter has been a devastating experience," he wrote.

The Chief Minister also thanked Modi for rendering support after the natural calamity hit the state.

Expressing concern over the approaching monsoon, he wrote about the urgency to provide 'pucca'&nbsp;houses to all those affected.

"The rainy season is fast approaching and the monsoon is likely to reach Odisha around June 10. Therefore, keeping in view the urgency to provide pucca houses to the affected people, we are going ahead with issuing of work orders from June 1, in anticipation of the approval of our proposal by Government of India."

Cyclone Fani, which made landfall in Puri district on May 3, left a trail of destruction in the coastal areas of the state killing 64 people in the state.&nbsp;

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought help from the Centre for Odisha in view of the large-scale destruction by Cyclone Fani in the coastal areas of the state.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought help from the Centre for Odisha in view of the large-scale destruction by Cyclone Fani in the coastal areas of the state. The letter mainly sought relief for construction of houses given the widespread destruction caused by the severe cyclonic storm earlier this month. "I would request you to kindly consider sanctioning 5 lakh (houses) under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Special houses initially for the state of Odisha. As was mentioned during the presentation made on May 6, I reiterate our request for waiver of the Permanent Wait List (PWL) criterion for this particular allocation and also consider a Centre-State fund sharing pattern of 90:10 as a special case," the letter read. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief also said that his government is currently working on a detailed house damage assessment and would soon come out with a report. "According to preliminary estimation, about 5 lakh houses have been completely or substantially damaged across 14 districts with the major loss occurring in Puri district. While the people of the affected districts have gone through immense hardship, the loss of shelter has been a devastating experience," he wrote. The Chief Minister also thanked Modi for rendering support after the natural calamity hit the state. Expressing concern over the approaching monsoon, he wrote about the urgency to provide 'pucca' houses to all those affected. "The rainy season is fast approaching and the monsoon is likely to reach Odisha around June 10. Therefore, keeping in view the urgency to provide pucca houses to the affected people, we are going ahead with issuing of work orders from June 1, in anticipation of the approval of our proposal by Government of India." Cyclone Fani, which made landfall in Puri district on May 3, left a trail of destruction in the coastal areas of the state killing 64 people in the state.

Cyclone Fani: CM Naveen Patnaik writes to PM Modi, seeks Centre's help

After cyclone Fani hit Odisha coast, a forest department's report brought to the light that around 20 lakh trees uprooted in the area, including the ecologically sensitive varieties of the trees.

"It will take a long time to revive the greenery of these areas just like before the cyclone. It is a challenging task on the part of the forest department not only in terms of spending money for the efforts but also to provide the manpower for the same. The plan should be directed in such a way so that old greenery in Bhubaneswar, Puri, Balukhad and other affected areas will come back," said Bijayshree Routray, Forest and Environment Minister Odisha.

"There has been a proposal for five years and more than 500 crores need to be spent in this regard. But, in effect, it is the question of how the funds will be distributed throughout the year. It also depends on many things - liveability of the saplings, planting and choosing the quality of trees. It will need massive plantation to get back the greenery that we have lost and it may take 20 years for the forest to look like what it was earlier," noted the forest department report.

Cyclone Fani, which made landfall in Puri district on May 3, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-toll-from-cyclone-fani-rises-to-64-after-odisha-confirms-fresh-casualties-218229">killed at least 64</a> with Puri recording the maximum number of casualties at 39 and left a trail of destruction in the state.

Huge numbers of trees were uprooted resulting in disruption of road communication. Khordha and Bhubaneswar city have been severely affected in this regard.&nbsp;

After cyclone Fani hit Odisha coast, a forest department's report brought to the light that around 20 lakh trees uprooted in the area, including the ecologically sensitive varieties of the trees.

After cyclone Fani hit Odisha coast, a forest department's report brought to the light that around 20 lakh trees uprooted in the area, including the ecologically sensitive varieties of the trees. "It will take a long time to revive the greenery of these areas just like before the cyclone. It is a challenging task on the part of the forest department not only in terms of spending money for the efforts but also to provide the manpower for the same. The plan should be directed in such a way so that old greenery in Bhubaneswar, Puri, Balukhad and other affected areas will come back," said Bijayshree Routray, Forest and Environment Minister Odisha. "There has been a proposal for five years and more than 500 crores need to be spent in this regard. But, in effect, it is the question of how the funds will be distributed throughout the year. It also depends on many things - liveability of the saplings, planting and choosing the quality of trees. It will need massive plantation to get back the greenery that we have lost and it may take 20 years for the forest to look like what it was earlier," noted the forest department report. Cyclone Fani, which made landfall in Puri district on May 3, killed at least 64 with Puri recording the maximum number of casualties at 39 and left a trail of destruction in the state. Huge numbers of trees were uprooted resulting in disruption of road communication. Khordha and Bhubaneswar city have been severely affected in this regard.

Cyclone Fani: Around 20 lakh trees uprooted in Odisha

Unable to get power and water even nine days after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-death-toll-touches-43-in-odisha-217772">Cyclone Fani</a> ravaged coastal Odisha, angry people blocked roads at many places, including the state capital Bhubaneswar, on Sunday, demanding that the authorities address their problems quickly.

At several places, demonstrators alleged that the restoration work was hampered by a lack of management and coordination among various government agencies, thereby compounding the miseries of the cyclone-affected people.

Despite the state government saying it is trying to speed up efforts to restore electricity, water supply and telecom facilities, a large number of areas remained in the dark for the tenth day since May 3, when the cyclone made landfall near Puri.

The extremely severe cyclone has killed 43 people, affected over 1.5 crores and left over five lakh with a permanent roof in 14,000 villages in 14 districts.

Not seeing much improvement in their situation has made people angry and impatient, who are now coming out on streets to protest against authorities.

Though the state government has claimed it has restored electricity and drinking water supply lines in Bhubaneswar and urban areas of Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur and

Cuttack districts, people on Sunday blocked roads in Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack and Khurda districts, besides the state capital.

As Bhubaneswar witnessed protests in Samantrapur, Nuagaon and Lingipur areas, traffic on Bhubaneswar-Puri highway was hit for some time, police said.

"We are forced to hit the road as the government has failed to provide basic necessities such as water and power despite having promised to restore power supply by Sunday, May 12," said a woman who joined a road blockade at Nuagaon.

"There is a limit to our patience. We are made to spend sleepless nights. We have to purchase drinking water at exorbitant prices," said another protester.

Aggrieved people also staged similar road blockades on Jagatsinghpur-Machagaon road and at some places in Cuttack and Khurda districts.

In the pilgrim town of Puri, worst hit by the cyclone, locals were moving out of the place temporarily.

In almost all electricity offices in coastal districts, police personnel have been deployed to tackle people attempting to attack officials, a state government official said.

Information and Public Relations Secretary Sanjay Singh maintained that electricity will be restored in all areas of Bhubaneswar by Monday.

He also said water has been made available in all parts of the state capital.

Energy Secretary Hemant Sharma said 90 per cent of consumers will be able to get electricity by Monday and restoration work is in progress on war footing.

"As extensive damage was caused to power infrastructure, we are working on a war footing with 7,000 power technicians from other states," he said.

The cyclone unleashed copious rain and windstorms that gusted up to 240 kmph on May 3, blowing away thatched houses and swamping towns and villages in Odisha.

The state government has announced an Rs 1,600-crore package for livelihood support to farmers, fishermen and others affected by Cyclone Fani.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik unveiled the package Saturday and included the support for people dependent on animal husbandry, fisheries, handloom and handicraft.&nbsp;

Unable to get power and water even nine days after Cyclone Fani ravaged coastal Odisha, angry people blocked roads at many places, including the state capital Bhubaneswar, on Sunday, demanding that the authorities address their problems quickly.

Unable to get power and water even nine days after Cyclone Fani ravaged coastal Odisha, angry people blocked roads at many places, including the state capital Bhubaneswar, on Sunday, demanding that the authorities address their problems quickly. At several places, demonstrators alleged that the restoration work was hampered by a lack of management and coordination among various government agencies, thereby compounding the miseries of the cyclone-affected people. Despite the state government saying it is trying to speed up efforts to restore electricity, water supply and telecom facilities, a large number of areas remained in the dark for the tenth day since May 3, when the cyclone made landfall near Puri. The extremely severe cyclone has killed 43 people, affected over 1.5 crores and left over five lakh with a permanent roof in 14,000 villages in 14 districts. Not seeing much improvement in their situation has made people angry and impatient, who are now coming out on streets to protest against authorities. Though the state government has claimed it has restored electricity and drinking water supply lines in Bhubaneswar and urban areas of Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur and Cuttack districts, people on Sunday blocked roads in Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack and Khurda districts, besides the state capital. As Bhubaneswar witnessed protests in Samantrapur, Nuagaon and Lingipur areas, traffic on Bhubaneswar-Puri highway was hit for some time, police said. "We are forced to hit the road as the government has failed to provide basic necessities such as water and power despite having promised to restore power supply by Sunday, May 12," said a woman who joined a road blockade at Nuagaon. "There is a limit to our patience. We are made to spend sleepless nights. We have to purchase drinking water at exorbitant prices," said another protester. Aggrieved people also staged similar road blockades on Jagatsinghpur-Machagaon road and at some places in Cuttack and Khurda districts. In the pilgrim town of Puri, worst hit by the cyclone, locals were moving out of the place temporarily. In almost all electricity offices in coastal districts, police personnel have been deployed to tackle people attempting to attack officials, a state government official said. Information and Public Relations Secretary Sanjay Singh maintained that electricity will be restored in all areas of Bhubaneswar by Monday. He also said water has been made available in all parts of the state capital. Energy Secretary Hemant Sharma said 90 per cent of consumers will be able to get electricity by Monday and restoration work is in progress on war footing. "As extensive damage was caused to power infrastructure, we are working on a war footing with 7,000 power technicians from other states," he said. The cyclone unleashed copious rain and windstorms that gusted up to 240 kmph on May 3, blowing away thatched houses and swamping towns and villages in Odisha. The state government has announced an Rs 1,600-crore package for livelihood support to farmers, fishermen and others affected by Cyclone Fani. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik unveiled the package Saturday and included the support for people dependent on animal husbandry, fisheries, handloom and handicraft.

People protest as Odisha struggles to restore normalcy post cyclone 'Fani'

The death toll in Odisha due to <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-officers-hold-review-meeting-provide-food-in-affected-areas-of-odisha-217644">cyclone Fani</a> has touched 43 with Puri recording the maximum number of casualties at 21 according to official estimates released by the Odisha government on Saturday.

Puri was followed by Cuttack (6), Khordha (5), Jajpur (4), Mayurbhanj (4) and Kendrapada (3) in the casualty list.

According to government data, livestock casualties are over 34 lakhs and over one crore people were adversely affected by '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/8-without-without-power-water-protests-break-out-in-cyclone-hit-odisha-217646">Fani'</a>&nbsp;in the state.

Massive damage to power infrastructure in the state particularly in the districts of Puri, Khurda, Cuttack, and Kendrapada has also been reported. 5030 kilometres of 33 KV lines, 38613 kilometres of 11 KV lines, 64304 distribution transformers, and 79485 kilometres of LT lines are reportedly damaged across the state.

"In Puri district, extensive damages have occurred to kutcha houses. As per report received so far 1,89,095 houses damaged in Puri. Structures of temporary street vendors have been completely damaged. 160 people injured and admitted to hospital for treatment. Special Circuit House Puri, Office and Residence of SP and Collector have been badly damaged like many other buildings," a state government statement said.

"Huge numbers of trees have been uprooted resulting in disruption of road communication. Khordha and Bhubaneswar city have been severely affected," it added.

The government informed that road communication in Ganjam and Gajapati have been completely restored. While road clearance and restoration work in other districts including Bhubaneswar city continue.

Besides, the state government has claimed to restore 100 per cent water supply to Cuttack, Khordha, and Jatni. Also, Puri, Bhubaneswar, Konark, and Nimapara have already achieved cent per cent restoration of water supply.

Cyclone Fani which made landfall in Puri district on May 3 left a trail of destruction in the state.&nbsp;

The death toll in Odisha due to cyclone Fani has touched 43 with Puri recording the maximum number of casualties at 21 according to official estimates released by the Odisha government on Saturday.

The death toll in Odisha due to cyclone Fani has touched 43 with Puri recording the maximum number of casualties at 21 according to official estimates released by the Odisha government on Saturday. Puri was followed by Cuttack (6), Khordha (5), Jajpur (4), Mayurbhanj (4) and Kendrapada (3) in the casualty list. According to government data, livestock casualties are over 34 lakhs and over one crore people were adversely affected by 'Fani' in the state. Massive damage to power infrastructure in the state particularly in the districts of Puri, Khurda, Cuttack, and Kendrapada has also been reported. 5030 kilometres of 33 KV lines, 38613 kilometres of 11 KV lines, 64304 distribution transformers, and 79485 kilometres of LT lines are reportedly damaged across the state. "In Puri district, extensive damages have occurred to kutcha houses. As per report received so far 1,89,095 houses damaged in Puri. Structures of temporary street vendors have been completely damaged. 160 people injured and admitted to hospital for treatment. Special Circuit House Puri, Office and Residence of SP and Collector have been badly damaged like many other buildings," a state government statement said. "Huge numbers of trees have been uprooted resulting in disruption of road communication. Khordha and Bhubaneswar city have been severely affected," it added. The government informed that road communication in Ganjam and Gajapati have been completely restored. While road clearance and restoration work in other districts including Bhubaneswar city continue. Besides, the state government has claimed to restore 100 per cent water supply to Cuttack, Khordha, and Jatni. Also, Puri, Bhubaneswar, Konark, and Nimapara have already achieved cent per cent restoration of water supply. Cyclone Fani which made landfall in Puri district on May 3 left a trail of destruction in the state.

Cyclone Fani: Death toll touches 43 in Odisha

&nbsp;A central team will visit Odisha in a day or two to assess the extent of damage to agricultural and horticultural crops in areas badly affected by recent <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/going-beyond-cyclone-fani-india-needs-to-do-a-lot-more-to-make-recovery-process-less-traumatic-216582&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjXp_fWypDiAhUG73MBHVUtB3sQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0TsVVpFSgDTOt9pbvnaifj">cyclone Fani,</a> a senior government official said Friday.

"A team has been constituted and will leave for Odisha in a day or two to examine the extent of damage, based on which the relief amount will be decided," the official told PTI.

Thousands of coconut and mango trees are reported to have been uprooted in the extremely severe cyclone that hit the coastal districts of the state a week ago. Even agricultural land closure to the coastal areas has been washed out, he said.

According to the state government's preliminary assessment, more than 30 per cent crop has been damaged in Odisha due to the cyclone.

More than 1,00,000 hectares of agricultural land was badly affected in 14 districts of the state, the report said.

The central government official also mentioned that the team may not visit Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal because not much damage has been reported from these two states.

In the case of Odisha, the state is still reeling under the after-effects of the cyclonic storm; and the entire state machinery is involved in the daunting task of recovery.

A central team will visit Odisha in a day or two to assess the extent of damage to agricultural and horticultural crops in areas badly affected by recent cyclone Fani, a senior government official said Friday.

A central team will visit Odisha in a day or two to assess the extent of damage to agricultural and horticultural crops in areas badly affected by recent cyclone Fani, a senior government official said Friday. "A team has been constituted and will leave for Odisha in a day or two to examine the extent of damage, based on which the relief amount will be decided," the official told PTI. Thousands of coconut and mango trees are reported to have been uprooted in the extremely severe cyclone that hit the coastal districts of the state a week ago. Even agricultural land closure to the coastal areas has been washed out, he said. According to the state government's preliminary assessment, more than 30 per cent crop has been damaged in Odisha due to the cyclone. More than 1,00,000 hectares of agricultural land was badly affected in 14 districts of the state, the report said. The central government official also mentioned that the team may not visit Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal because not much damage has been reported from these two states. In the case of Odisha, the state is still reeling under the after-effects of the cyclonic storm; and the entire state machinery is involved in the daunting task of recovery.

Central team to soon visit Odisha to assess crop damage due to cyclone Fani

Karnataka government Thursday announced Rs 10 crore as relief and assistance to cyclone-affected people of Odisha.

"In view of a huge loss of life and property in Odisha on account of the '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/situation-in-8-out-of-total-9-cyclone-fani-affected-districts-has-improved-odisha-government-to-ncmc-217133">Fani' cyclone</a>, it is proposed to contribute a sum of Rs 10 crore to assist the affected people," the government said.

The toll in the cyclone-battered state has mounted to 41, officials there had said Wednesday. 
 
Massive restoration work is underway in that state whereFani made landfall near Puri last Friday, ripping apart major infrastructure, including houses, water and power supply among others.

Karnataka government Thursday announced Rs 10 crore as relief and assistance to cyclone-affected people of Odisha. "In view of a huge loss of life and property in Odisha on account of the 'Fani' cyclone, it is proposed to contribute a sum of Rs 10 crore to assist the affected people," the government said.

Karnataka government Thursday announced Rs 10 crore as relief and assistance to cyclone-affected people of Odisha. "In view of a huge loss of life and property in Odisha on account of the 'Fani' cyclone, it is proposed to contribute a sum of Rs 10 crore to assist the affected people," the government said. The toll in the cyclone-battered state has mounted to 41, officials there had said Wednesday. Massive restoration work is underway in that state whereFani made landfall near Puri last Friday, ripping apart major infrastructure, including houses, water and power supply among others.

Karnataka government announces Rs 10-crore relief to cyclone-hit Odisha

NASA has released images showing the impact of Cyclone Fani on power situation in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Watch this video to know more.

NASA releases images of power situation after Fani

Politics over Cyclone Fani is getting intensifies day by day. Mamata Banerjee refused to meet PM Modi. PM Modi calls her arrogant.

India Election Watch: Politics over Cyclone Fani, Mamata refuses to meet PM

Politics over Cyclone Fani is getting intensifies day by day. PM Modi calls Mamata Banerjee arrogant. PM Modi also praises Naveen Patnaik for coordinating relief work.

India Election Watch: Cyclone Politics grips India

Cyclone Fani that hit the Odisha coast on May 3, 2019, was indeed an extremely severe cyclone — when a super cyclone had hit the state 20 years ago, it had witnessed a loss of life of over 10,000 people!&nbsp;

In 2013, cyclone Phailin with a similar intensity saw 550,000 people being evacuated and an estimated loss of more than Rs 4,000 crore.

Despite over a million people being evacuated from sensitive zones, cyclone Fani caused the death of about 30-plus people in Odisha alone. However, this is still an admirable achievement, given the poor infrastructure in the state, the high incidence of poverty and the normally unwilling response of potential evacuees.

The effort, which the state government of Odisha put in along with the national disaster response agencies and many volunteers, was remarkable in reaching out to vulnerable populations across the length of the Odisha coast, convincing people to evacuate quickly to safe shelters.

The trail of destruction that Cyclone Fani left behind is mute testimony to the enormous avoided costs in terms of human lives.

While we deservedly pat ourselves on our backs for a job done well in minimising the loss of lives due to an extreme event, we need to do a lot more to make the recovery process from such events less traumatic.

As evacuees in Odisha go back to their villages, they face the humongous task of rebuilding their homes and their lives. Can we provide them requisite support in a timely manner to enable them to stand on their feet quickly once again? How long will the medical and educational services take to serve the needs of these people and alleviate their misery? Do banking services exist in these areas? What financial and material support can be immediately mobilised and delivered? Getting food and water to the affected people days after the incident is inhuman to say the least.

It would also be crucial to ask whether the wider community was mobilised in advance to respond to the needs of those affected. How well were the shelters stocked? Were effective community mechanisms defined to administer relief in the immediate aftermath of the event?&nbsp;

Several questions above address themselves to disaster response and relief measures. But some of them also point towards the need for building systemic resilience in vulnerable populations.

Scientists predict that the looming climate change will result in more frequent and intense extreme events. While Cyclone Fani was not caused by climate change, it would be accurate to say that it probably received its intensity on account of climate change.

The impact of such coastal events would also be exacerbated by rise in sea levels, higher ocean temperatures, wind speeds and changing monsoon patterns. Hence, for both historical reasons and projected intensification, India needs to evolve from merely disaster preparedness and response to investing in and building resilient societies and systems.&nbsp;

Proper zoning laws that would govern developmental activities, quality of construction, development and maintenance of natural barriers, insurance for life and livelihood, empowered village committees and mobile clinics, among others, are some long-term measures to build resilience and to adapt.

Governments at all levels — national, state and local — need to recognise their responsibility and accountability for creating such robust systems.

Cyclone Fani caught the attention of the global community because it was an extreme event of mammoth proportions. However, environmental degradation is also resulting in what are known as creeping events — events that are slow, but inexorable. If we are not watchful, as we tend not to be with creeping events, they can result in tipping points that would have impacts on scales larger than what we experience from extreme events.&nbsp;

Falling water tables, soil degradation, desertification, air pollution and loss of biodiversity are all examples of creeping events that India is already facing.

Climate change is likely to exacerbate these creeping events through its own impact – accelerated melting of our glaciers in the Himalayas that cater to half of India’s population, shifts/variability in monsoon patterns that would be very difficult for farmers to adapt to in current conditions, salt water intrusion and rising temperatures.&nbsp;

It is time for India to wake up and take an integrated approach to its development, more urgently in the context of the existential threats that it is facing.&nbsp;

Our water and food security are under enormous threat and closely inter-linked. India is hosting the Conference of Parties (COP) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in September this year. A major focus of this COP is to work towards land degradation neutrality. As a theme, this would be a wonderful test case to see how different ministries of the government of India will participate in this conference and if we are able to design a coherent strategy for reversing the land degradation taking place.&nbsp;

Nearly 30 per cent of India’s lands are already degraded and climate change impacts will further exacerbate this damage.&nbsp;

Similarly, several of our cities are becoming (have become?) unliveable – Delhi has demonstrated that there are no silver bullets! Just because we do not have the research (no support for inconvenient questions!) to establish a clear attribution of cause to effect, does not mean that the crisis does not exist – that we are not facing disasters in our daily lives.

Question is: do we have the courage to transform our governance structures and processes to enable effective systemic solutions? 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-going-beyond-cyclone-fani-2746668">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

 
&nbsp;

Cyclone Fani that hit the Odisha coast on May 3, 2019, was indeed an extremely severe cyclone — when a super cyclone had hit the state 20 years ago, it had witnessed a loss of life of over 10,000 people!

Cyclone Fani that hit the Odisha coast on May 3, 2019, was indeed an extremely severe cyclone — when a super cyclone had hit the state 20 years ago, it had witnessed a loss of life of over 10,000 people! In 2013, cyclone Phailin with a similar intensity saw 550,000 people being evacuated and an estimated loss of more than Rs 4,000 crore. Despite over a million people being evacuated from sensitive zones, cyclone Fani caused the death of about 30-plus people in Odisha alone. However, this is still an admirable achievement, given the poor infrastructure in the state, the high incidence of poverty and the normally unwilling response of potential evacuees. The effort, which the state government of Odisha put in along with the national disaster response agencies and many volunteers, was remarkable in reaching out to vulnerable populations across the length of the Odisha coast, convincing people to evacuate quickly to safe shelters. The trail of destruction that Cyclone Fani left behind is mute testimony to the enormous avoided costs in terms of human lives. While we deservedly pat ourselves on our backs for a job done well in minimising the loss of lives due to an extreme event, we need to do a lot more to make the recovery process from such events less traumatic. As evacuees in Odisha go back to their villages, they face the humongous task of rebuilding their homes and their lives. Can we provide them requisite support in a timely manner to enable them to stand on their feet quickly once again? How long will the medical and educational services take to serve the needs of these people and alleviate their misery? Do banking services exist in these areas? What financial and material support can be immediately mobilised and delivered? Getting food and water to the affected people days after the incident is inhuman to say the least. It would also be crucial to ask whether the wider community was mobilised in advance to respond to the needs of those affected. How well were the shelters stocked? Were effective community mechanisms defined to administer relief in the immediate aftermath of the event? Several questions above address themselves to disaster response and relief measures. But some of them also point towards the need for building systemic resilience in vulnerable populations. Scientists predict that the looming climate change will result in more frequent and intense extreme events. While Cyclone Fani was not caused by climate change, it would be accurate to say that it probably received its intensity on account of climate change. The impact of such coastal events would also be exacerbated by rise in sea levels, higher ocean temperatures, wind speeds and changing monsoon patterns. Hence, for both historical reasons and projected intensification, India needs to evolve from merely disaster preparedness and response to investing in and building resilient societies and systems. Proper zoning laws that would govern developmental activities, quality of construction, development and maintenance of natural barriers, insurance for life and livelihood, empowered village committees and mobile clinics, among others, are some long-term measures to build resilience and to adapt. Governments at all levels — national, state and local — need to recognise their responsibility and accountability for creating such robust systems. Cyclone Fani caught the attention of the global community because it was an extreme event of mammoth proportions. However, environmental degradation is also resulting in what are known as creeping events — events that are slow, but inexorable. If we are not watchful, as we tend not to be with creeping events, they can result in tipping points that would have impacts on scales larger than what we experience from extreme events. Falling water tables, soil degradation, desertification, air pollution and loss of biodiversity are all examples of creeping events that India is already facing. Climate change is likely to exacerbate these creeping events through its own impact – accelerated melting of our glaciers in the Himalayas that cater to half of India’s population, shifts/variability in monsoon patterns that would be very difficult for farmers to adapt to in current conditions, salt water intrusion and rising temperatures. It is time for India to wake up and take an integrated approach to its development, more urgently in the context of the existential threats that it is facing. Our water and food security are under enormous threat and closely inter-linked. India is hosting the Conference of Parties (COP) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in September this year. A major focus of this COP is to work towards land degradation neutrality. As a theme, this would be a wonderful test case to see how different ministries of the government of India will participate in this conference and if we are able to design a coherent strategy for reversing the land degradation taking place. Nearly 30 per cent of India’s lands are already degraded and climate change impacts will further exacerbate this damage. Similarly, several of our cities are becoming (have become?) unliveable – Delhi has demonstrated that there are no silver bullets! Just because we do not have the research (no support for inconvenient questions!) to establish a clear attribution of cause to effect, does not mean that the crisis does not exist – that we are not facing disasters in our daily lives. Question is: do we have the courage to transform our governance structures and processes to enable effective systemic solutions? (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Going beyond Cyclone Fani: India needs to do a lot more to make recovery process less traumatic

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the "communication between the state and the Central government was very good" owing to which a mass human destruction could be averted in the wake of cyclone Fani.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister praised the people of Odisha for complying with every instruction issued by the government.&nbsp;

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PM Modi: Communication was very good between state and Central Govt.I was also monitoring. The way people of Odisha complied with every instruction of Govt is praiseworthy <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneFani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneFani</a> <a href="https://t.co/2g4iMDBZin">pic.twitter.com/2g4iMDBZin</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1125278736209694720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He said that an additional sum of Rs 1,000 crore will be released for the state in addition to Rs 381 crore that was released previously.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: PM Narendra Modi says,"Naveen babu ne bohat acha plan kiya, Bharat sarkar usmein unke saath reh karke sari cheezon ko aage badha payegi." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneFani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneFani</a> <a href="https://t.co/MnGxBcTeFh">pic.twitter.com/MnGxBcTeFh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1125283571789254656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi's remarks came shortly after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-pm-modi-conducts-aerial-survey-of-ravaged-areas-in-odisha-216274">he undertook an aerial survey of the cyclone-ravaged areas of Odisha</a> after which he held a review meeting with state Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and other officials.&nbsp;

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PM Narendra Modi: Govt of India had announced Rs 381 crore earlier, a further Rs 1000 crore will be released now. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cycloneFani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cycloneFani</a> <a href="https://t.co/mqFNvBUuB1">pic.twitter.com/mqFNvBUuB1</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1125279354756276224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, government sources told news agency ANI that a similar review meeting was to take place in West Bengal in relation to cyclone Fani but the state government has replied that the officials are busy with election duty and hence <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-refuses-to-hold-review-meeting-for-fani-with-pm-modi-216323">the review meeting should not be held</a>, ANI reported.&nbsp;

On Sunday, it was reported that PM Modi had on Saturday tried to contact West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to discuss cyclone Fani but could not do so as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/pm-modi-could-not-talk-to-mamata-over-cyclone-as-his-calls-were-not-returned-official-216063">his calls were not returned</a>, a top government official has said.

The prime minister then spoke to state governor Keshari Nath Tripathi, the official said as reported by news agency PTI.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the "communication between the state and the Central government was very good" owing to which a mass human destruction could be averted in the wake of cyclone Fani.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the "communication between the state and the Central government was very good" owing to which a mass human destruction could be averted in the wake of cyclone Fani. The Prime Minister praised the people of Odisha for complying with every instruction issued by the government. PM Modi: Communication was very good between state and Central Govt.I was also monitoring. The way people of Odisha complied with every instruction of Govt is praiseworthy #CycloneFani pic.twitter.com/2g4iMDBZin — ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2019 × He said that an additional sum of Rs 1,000 crore will be released for the state in addition to Rs 381 crore that was released previously. #WATCH: PM Narendra Modi says,"Naveen babu ne bohat acha plan kiya, Bharat sarkar usmein unke saath reh karke sari cheezon ko aage badha payegi." #CycloneFani pic.twitter.com/MnGxBcTeFh — ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2019 × PM Modi's remarks came shortly after he undertook an aerial survey of the cyclone-ravaged areas of Odisha after which he held a review meeting with state Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and other officials. PM Narendra Modi: Govt of India had announced Rs 381 crore earlier, a further Rs 1000 crore will be released now. #cycloneFani pic.twitter.com/mqFNvBUuB1 — ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2019 × Meanwhile, government sources told news agency ANI that a similar review meeting was to take place in West Bengal in relation to cyclone Fani but the state government has replied that the officials are busy with election duty and hence the review meeting should not be held, ANI reported. On Sunday, it was reported that PM Modi had on Saturday tried to contact West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to discuss cyclone Fani but could not do so as his calls were not returned, a top government official has said. The prime minister then spoke to state governor Keshari Nath Tripathi, the official said as reported by news agency PTI. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi reviews situation in cyclone-hit Odisha, lauds state government; says 'another Rs 1,000 crore to be released'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes stock of Odisha, PM reviews situation after cyclone Fani. Watch this video to know more.

PM Modi visits storm-hit areas in Odisha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday conducted an aerial survey to assess the loss and destruction caused by Cyclone Fani in Odisha.

PM Modi was received by Governor Ganeshi Lal and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on his arrival at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneshwar.

The prime minister, who has three rallies scheduled later in the day in West Bengal and Jharkhand, immediately proceeded towards his chopper to carry out the survey of the worst-hit Puri district and other affected areas.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-death-toll-rises-to-33-as-cm-patnaik-announces-a-relief-package-216101">At least 34 people were killed during Cyclone 'Fani'</a>, which barrelled through coastal Odisha on Friday last, causing widespread destruction and leaving hundreds grappling with water shortage and power cut.

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PM Narendra Modi conducts aerial survey of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cyclonefani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cyclonefani</a> affected areas in Odisha. Governor Ganeshi Lal, CM Naveen Patnaik and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also present. <a href="https://t.co/ZO9XkRC7kK">pic.twitter.com/ZO9XkRC7kK</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1125267925399506946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The prime minister had on Sunday tweeted, "Will be in Odisha tomorrow morning, where I will review the situation due to Cyclone Fani and hold meetings with top officials. The Centre is committed to providing all possible assistance in relief and rehabilitation measures underway."

The PM also spoke to the chief minister on Saturday and discussed the situation in the aftermath of Fani, assuring continuous support from the Centre.

According to an official, Modi is scheduled to review the relief and restoration work in the state on his return from the aerial survey.

The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), headed by Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha, had on Sunday reviewed relief measures in affected areas of Odisha, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday conducted an aerial survey to assess the loss and destruction caused by Cyclone Fani in Odisha. PM Modi was received by Governor Ganeshi Lal and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on his arrival at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneshwar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday conducted an aerial survey to assess the loss and destruction caused by Cyclone Fani in Odisha. PM Modi was received by Governor Ganeshi Lal and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on his arrival at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneshwar. The prime minister, who has three rallies scheduled later in the day in West Bengal and Jharkhand, immediately proceeded towards his chopper to carry out the survey of the worst-hit Puri district and other affected areas. At least 34 people were killed during Cyclone 'Fani', which barrelled through coastal Odisha on Friday last, causing widespread destruction and leaving hundreds grappling with water shortage and power cut. PM Narendra Modi conducts aerial survey of #Cyclonefani affected areas in Odisha. Governor Ganeshi Lal, CM Naveen Patnaik and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also present. pic.twitter.com/ZO9XkRC7kK — ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2019 × The prime minister had on Sunday tweeted, "Will be in Odisha tomorrow morning, where I will review the situation due to Cyclone Fani and hold meetings with top officials. The Centre is committed to providing all possible assistance in relief and rehabilitation measures underway." The PM also spoke to the chief minister on Saturday and discussed the situation in the aftermath of Fani, assuring continuous support from the Centre. According to an official, Modi is scheduled to review the relief and restoration work in the state on his return from the aerial survey. The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), headed by Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha, had on Sunday reviewed relief measures in affected areas of Odisha, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh.

Cyclone Fani: PM Modi conducts aerial survey of ravaged areas in Odisha

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - May 6th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - May 5th, 2019

East Coast Railways on Saturday announced that trains originating from Bhubaneshwar will run normally from May 5 after the services were suspended owing to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/not-much-damage-by-cyclone-fani-in-west-bengal-mamata-banerjee-216005">cyclone 'Fani.'</a>

The cyclone had made landfall in Odisha on May 3.

"Train services will run normally from Bhubaneswar from tomorrow, May 5. This is for originating trains from Bhubaneswar," a tweet from the East Coast Railways read.

Railways have resumed services in less than 24 hours of the cyclone wreaking havoc in the state.

Only two trains, Bhubaneswar-Tirupati Express and Visakhapatnam Intercity Express will not run normally because of the non-availability of a pairing train according to the tweet.

Prashanti Express, Visakha Express, Rajdhani Express, Konark Express and Hirakhand express which originate from Bhubaneshwar will ply normally from Sunday.

East Coast Railways also stated that fourteen passenger train services will also resume in the state from Sunday.

After wreaking havoc at Puri, Bhubaneswar and other parts in Odisha on Friday, cyclonic storm Fani made landfall in West Bengal early on Saturday. Rain lashed Kolkata and other coastal towns in West Bengal.

According to IMD the cyclone will weaken and move into Bangladesh by noon. "Severe Cyclone FANI weakened into a Cyclonic Storm and lay centred at 60 km NW of Kolkata at 0530 IST of 4th May. To weaken into Deep Depression and move into Bangladesh by noon," tweeted IMD.&nbsp;

East Coast Railways on Saturday announced that trains originating from Bhubaneshwar will run normally from May 5 after the services were suspended owing to cyclone 'Fani.

East Coast Railways on Saturday announced that trains originating from Bhubaneshwar will run normally from May 5 after the services were suspended owing to cyclone 'Fani.' The cyclone had made landfall in Odisha on May 3. "Train services will run normally from Bhubaneswar from tomorrow, May 5. This is for originating trains from Bhubaneswar," a tweet from the East Coast Railways read. Railways have resumed services in less than 24 hours of the cyclone wreaking havoc in the state. Only two trains, Bhubaneswar-Tirupati Express and Visakhapatnam Intercity Express will not run normally because of the non-availability of a pairing train according to the tweet. Prashanti Express, Visakha Express, Rajdhani Express, Konark Express and Hirakhand express which originate from Bhubaneshwar will ply normally from Sunday. East Coast Railways also stated that fourteen passenger train services will also resume in the state from Sunday. After wreaking havoc at Puri, Bhubaneswar and other parts in Odisha on Friday, cyclonic storm Fani made landfall in West Bengal early on Saturday. Rain lashed Kolkata and other coastal towns in West Bengal. According to IMD the cyclone will weaken and move into Bangladesh by noon. "Severe Cyclone FANI weakened into a Cyclonic Storm and lay centred at 60 km NW of Kolkata at 0530 IST of 4th May. To weaken into Deep Depression and move into Bangladesh by noon," tweeted IMD.

Cyclone Fani: Train services in Bhubaneswar to resume today

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-death-toll-rises-to-33-as-cm-patnaik-announces-a-relief-package-216101">Cyclone Fani: Death toll rises to 33 as CM Patnaik announces relief package</a>

At least 33 people lost their lives after cyclone Fani struck Odisha on Friday but a timely massive evocuation carried out by the state government averted the higher death toll.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-using-all-resources-to-sell-oil-in-grey-market-deputy-minister-216113">Iran using all resources to sell oil in 'grey market': Deputy minister</a>

Iran has mobilised all its resources to sell oil in a "grey market", bypassing US sanctions that Tehran sees as illegitimate, state media quoted Deputy Oil Minister Amir Hossein Zamaninia as saying on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-sees-little-scope-for-jet-airways-revival-government-sources-216085">Little scope for Jet Airways revival: Government sources</a>

The government sees little hope of a bidder emerging for debt-laden Jet Airways Ltd, which halted operations last month, a Reuters report said quoting two senior finance ministry officials.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-sourav-ganguly-on-delhis-chances-of-lifting-ipl-2019-trophy-216087">Exclusive: Sourav Ganguly on Delhi's chances of lifting IPL 2019 trophy</a>

Delhi's fortune changed in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the team managing to reach the knockout stage for the first time since 2012.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-says-emigration-low-birth-rates-have-brought-ice-curtain-on-europe-216090">Pope says emigration, low birth rates have brought 'ice curtain' on Europe</a>

Pope Francis urged European leaders on Sunday to address wealth inequality and low birth rates which he said had created an "ice curtain" between Europe's richer and poorer states and was fuelling emigration.

Cyclone Fani: Death toll rises to 33 as CM Patnaik announces relief package At least 33 people lost their lives after cyclone Fani struck Odisha on Friday but a timely massive evocuation carried out by the state government averted the higher death toll.

Cyclone Fani: Death toll rises to 33 as CM Patnaik announces relief package At least 33 people lost their lives after cyclone Fani struck Odisha on Friday but a timely massive evocuation carried out by the state government averted the higher death toll. Iran using all resources to sell oil in 'grey market': Deputy minister Iran has mobilised all its resources to sell oil in a "grey market", bypassing US sanctions that Tehran sees as illegitimate, state media quoted Deputy Oil Minister Amir Hossein Zamaninia as saying on Sunday. Little scope for Jet Airways revival: Government sources The government sees little hope of a bidder emerging for debt-laden Jet Airways Ltd, which halted operations last month, a Reuters report said quoting two senior finance ministry officials. Exclusive: Sourav Ganguly on Delhi's chances of lifting IPL 2019 trophy Delhi's fortune changed in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the team managing to reach the knockout stage for the first time since 2012. Pope says emigration, low birth rates have brought 'ice curtain' on Europe Pope Francis urged European leaders on Sunday to address wealth inequality and low birth rates which he said had created an "ice curtain" between Europe's richer and poorer states and was fuelling emigration.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Except for damaging a few huts, Cyclone Fani did not cause much havoc in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said as the severe cyclonic storm weakened Saturday morning and headed towards neighbouring Bangladesh.&nbsp;

While flight operations resumed at the Kolkata airport at 9.57 am, train services on the Sealdah and Howrah sections are also getting back to normal.

The Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) resumed its routine operation Saturday morning at both Haldia and Kolkata docks.

"The entire administration was awake the whole night. We were very worried about the cyclone," Banerjee said.

She had cancelled her election programmes and stayed put at Kharagpur in West Midnapore district to monitor the situation.&nbsp;

"There was not much damage in the state. At least 850 mud houses in the districts were partially damaged, while 12 were destroyed," the chief minister said. 
Banerjee said the state government will extend help to people whose houses have been damaged due to the cyclone.

Trees uprooted in different parts of the state due to speedy wind have been removed and the roads cleared for plying of vehicles, she said.

Restoration of electricity snapped in different districts is underway.

"Around 42,000 people have been evacuated by our people who took them to relief shelters. The civic services have been restored in Digha, Mandarmoni, whereas it is work in progress at other places," she said.

The storm weakened on Saturday morning and moved towards Bangladesh. Kolkata witnessed wind speed of 30-40 kmph with moderate to heavy rainfall overnight.

The very severe cyclonic storm weakened into a severe cyclonic storm over the Odisha coast, before moving further north-northeastwards and entering West Bengal through Kharagpur in West Midnapore around 12.30 am Saturday, officials said.

"It has moved to Arambagh in Hooghly and is now in Nadia district from where it will go to Murshidabad district before entering Bangladesh. It is likely to continue to move north-northeastwards and weaken further over the next six hours," Deputy Director General of the Regional Meteorological Centre here, Sanjib Bandyopadhyay, told PTI.

Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim along with senior engineers of the civic body and local councillors was on a night-long vigil in and around the city to keep a tab on the situation.

"We had made arrangements to act on an emergency basis had Fani hit the city. But thank god, nothing major has happened," Hakim told PTI.

Much to the glee of passengers, flight operations which were suspended from 3 pm on Friday resumed at the Kolkata airport at 9.57 am Saturday, an Airports Authority of India (AAI) official said.

Air India was the first airline to start operating out of Kolkata airport, the official said, adding a GoAir flight from Delhi was the first flight to land in Kolkata at 10.10 am.

The AAI official said airlines had refunded fares of cancelled flights to the passengers and took care of them.

Very few passengers had stayed back at the airport on Friday, the official said.

Out of an average 224 daily flights, only 110 flights operated on Friday, the official said.

Train services on the Sealdah and Howrah sections are also getting back to normal, officials said.

The ferry services on river Hooghly, however, were yet to resume.&nbsp;

Five persons were injured when a portion of the roof of a hutment collapsed on Friday night in central Kolkata's Beniatola Lane, police said.

All of them were released after treatment.

Kolkata Port Trust chairman Vinit Kumar said there had been no damages to the port infrastructure.&nbsp;

"Operations at both Kolkata and Haldia docks have resumed since morning," he said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi visited Kakdwip subdivision of South 24 Parganas district to review the situation after the area was affected by the cyclone.

Tripathi met local administration officials and interacted with people to ascertain the impact of Fani and the relief work.

"He also went to a multipurpose cyclone shelter in Madhusudanpur where people had taken shelter the preceding night," a source at the Raj Bhawan said.

The Governor will be visiting cyclone-affected areas of West Midnapur district on Sunday, he said.&nbsp;

Except for damaging a few huts, Cyclone Fani did not cause much havoc in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said as the severe cyclonic storm weakened Saturday morning and headed towards neighbouring Bangladesh.

Except for damaging a few huts, Cyclone Fani did not cause much havoc in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said as the severe cyclonic storm weakened Saturday morning and headed towards neighbouring Bangladesh. While flight operations resumed at the Kolkata airport at 9.57 am, train services on the Sealdah and Howrah sections are also getting back to normal. The Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) resumed its routine operation Saturday morning at both Haldia and Kolkata docks. "The entire administration was awake the whole night. We were very worried about the cyclone," Banerjee said. She had cancelled her election programmes and stayed put at Kharagpur in West Midnapore district to monitor the situation. "There was not much damage in the state. At least 850 mud houses in the districts were partially damaged, while 12 were destroyed," the chief minister said. Banerjee said the state government will extend help to people whose houses have been damaged due to the cyclone. Trees uprooted in different parts of the state due to speedy wind have been removed and the roads cleared for plying of vehicles, she said. Restoration of electricity snapped in different districts is underway. "Around 42,000 people have been evacuated by our people who took them to relief shelters. The civic services have been restored in Digha, Mandarmoni, whereas it is work in progress at other places," she said. The storm weakened on Saturday morning and moved towards Bangladesh. Kolkata witnessed wind speed of 30-40 kmph with moderate to heavy rainfall overnight. The very severe cyclonic storm weakened into a severe cyclonic storm over the Odisha coast, before moving further north-northeastwards and entering West Bengal through Kharagpur in West Midnapore around 12.30 am Saturday, officials said. "It has moved to Arambagh in Hooghly and is now in Nadia district from where it will go to Murshidabad district before entering Bangladesh. It is likely to continue to move north-northeastwards and weaken further over the next six hours," Deputy Director General of the Regional Meteorological Centre here, Sanjib Bandyopadhyay, told PTI. Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim along with senior engineers of the civic body and local councillors was on a night-long vigil in and around the city to keep a tab on the situation. "We had made arrangements to act on an emergency basis had Fani hit the city. But thank god, nothing major has happened," Hakim told PTI. Much to the glee of passengers, flight operations which were suspended from 3 pm on Friday resumed at the Kolkata airport at 9.57 am Saturday, an Airports Authority of India (AAI) official said. Air India was the first airline to start operating out of Kolkata airport, the official said, adding a GoAir flight from Delhi was the first flight to land in Kolkata at 10.10 am. The AAI official said airlines had refunded fares of cancelled flights to the passengers and took care of them. Very few passengers had stayed back at the airport on Friday, the official said. Out of an average 224 daily flights, only 110 flights operated on Friday, the official said. Train services on the Sealdah and Howrah sections are also getting back to normal, officials said. The ferry services on river Hooghly, however, were yet to resume. Five persons were injured when a portion of the roof of a hutment collapsed on Friday night in central Kolkata's Beniatola Lane, police said. All of them were released after treatment. Kolkata Port Trust chairman Vinit Kumar said there had been no damages to the port infrastructure. "Operations at both Kolkata and Haldia docks have resumed since morning," he said. Meanwhile, Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi visited Kakdwip subdivision of South 24 Parganas district to review the situation after the area was affected by the cyclone. Tripathi met local administration officials and interacted with people to ascertain the impact of Fani and the relief work. "He also went to a multipurpose cyclone shelter in Madhusudanpur where people had taken shelter the preceding night," a source at the Raj Bhawan said. The Governor will be visiting cyclone-affected areas of West Midnapur district on Sunday, he said.

Not much damage by Cyclone Fani in West Bengal: Mamata Banerjee

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-telecom-firms-operationalise-over-900-base-stations-in-odisha-restoration-work-on-216062">death toll in Cyclone Fani rose to 29</a> on Sunday, two days after the "extremely severe" storm barrelled through coastal Odisha, causing widespread destruction and leaving hundreds grappling with water shortage and power cuts, an official said.

Announcing a relief package for those affected by the calamity, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said all families in Puri and in those parts of Khurda, which had been "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-train-services-in-bhubaneswar-to-resume-today-216006">extremely severely affected</a>" in the storm, will get 50 kg of rice, Rs 2,000 in cash and polythene sheets, if covered under the Food Security Act (FSA).

For the rest of Khurda district -- categorised as "severely" affected -- the FSA families will get a month's quota of rice, Rs 1,000 in cash and polythene sheets, he added.

Those living in the "moderately-affected" districts of Cuttack, Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur will be eligible for a month's quota of rice and Rs 500 in cash, Patnaik said.

The chief minister also announced an assistance of Rs 95,100 for "fully-damaged" houses, Rs 52,000 for "partially-damaged" houses and Rs 3,200 for houses that had suffered minor damage.

Talking to reporters here, Patnaik claimed that water supply had been restored in 70 per cent areas of the worst-hit Puri town and 40 per cent of the places in state capital Bhubaneswar.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cyclone-fani-kills-at-least-14-as-it-moves-to-bangladesh-215945/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I am hoping that water supply will be fully restored in Bhubaneswar shortly and at least in 90 per cent areas of Puri town by this evening," the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief, who is seeking a fifth term in office, said.

"The government has made arrangements to provide cooked food for free over the next 15 days. We will also take up tree plantation on a mission mode," he added.

The chief minister, however, could not give the details on the status of the ongoing work for power restoration in the affected areas.

"We have to be very careful to avoid accidental electrocution," he said when asked if the power supply will be restored in the capital city, which continued without electricity for the third day on Sunday.

According to state Chief Secretary A P Padhi, 21 of the 29 deaths were registered in the pilgrim town of Puri, where the storm made landfall on Friday, flattening fragile houses, uprooting scores of trees, electric poles and mobile towers.

The government had mounted a massive restoration work across 10,000 villages and 52 urban areas ravaged by the storm, affecting nearly one crore people, he said.

The "extremely severe" cyclonic storm, one of the "rarest of rare", unleashed copious rain and windstorm that gusted up to 240 kmph on Friday, blowing away thatched houses and swamping towns and villages, before weakening and entering West Bengal.

Asserting that efforts were on to restore electricity in the affected areas, Energy Secretary Hemant Sharma said the power infrastructure was severely damaged in Puri, Khurda, Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara and Balasore districts during the cyclone.

According to a state government official, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Odisha to review the situation. Modi spoke to Patnaik on Saturday and assured continuous support from the Centre for the rehabilitation work.

The East Coast Railway (ECoR) partially resumed operations on the Howrah-Chennai route on Sunday.

"Barring the Bhubaneswar-Tirupati Express and the Visakhapatnam Intercity Express, all trains originating from the state capital, including the Bhubaneswar-New Delhi Rajdhani Express, will be running normally from Sunday," an ECoR official said.

The death toll in Cyclone Fani rose to 29 on Sunday, two days after the "extremely severe" storm barrelled through coastal Odisha, causing widespread destruction and leaving hundreds grappling with water shortage and power cuts, an official said.

The death toll in Cyclone Fani rose to 29 on Sunday, two days after the "extremely severe" storm barrelled through coastal Odisha, causing widespread destruction and leaving hundreds grappling with water shortage and power cuts, an official said. Announcing a relief package for those affected by the calamity, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said all families in Puri and in those parts of Khurda, which had been "extremely severely affected" in the storm, will get 50 kg of rice, Rs 2,000 in cash and polythene sheets, if covered under the Food Security Act (FSA). For the rest of Khurda district -- categorised as "severely" affected -- the FSA families will get a month's quota of rice, Rs 1,000 in cash and polythene sheets, he added. Those living in the "moderately-affected" districts of Cuttack, Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur will be eligible for a month's quota of rice and Rs 500 in cash, Patnaik said. The chief minister also announced an assistance of Rs 95,100 for "fully-damaged" houses, Rs 52,000 for "partially-damaged" houses and Rs 3,200 for houses that had suffered minor damage. Talking to reporters here, Patnaik claimed that water supply had been restored in 70 per cent areas of the worst-hit Puri town and 40 per cent of the places in state capital Bhubaneswar. "I am hoping that water supply will be fully restored in Bhubaneswar shortly and at least in 90 per cent areas of Puri town by this evening," the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief, who is seeking a fifth term in office, said. "The government has made arrangements to provide cooked food for free over the next 15 days. We will also take up tree plantation on a mission mode," he added. The chief minister, however, could not give the details on the status of the ongoing work for power restoration in the affected areas. "We have to be very careful to avoid accidental electrocution," he said when asked if the power supply will be restored in the capital city, which continued without electricity for the third day on Sunday. According to state Chief Secretary A P Padhi, 21 of the 29 deaths were registered in the pilgrim town of Puri, where the storm made landfall on Friday, flattening fragile houses, uprooting scores of trees, electric poles and mobile towers. The government had mounted a massive restoration work across 10,000 villages and 52 urban areas ravaged by the storm, affecting nearly one crore people, he said. The "extremely severe" cyclonic storm, one of the "rarest of rare", unleashed copious rain and windstorm that gusted up to 240 kmph on Friday, blowing away thatched houses and swamping towns and villages, before weakening and entering West Bengal. Asserting that efforts were on to restore electricity in the affected areas, Energy Secretary Hemant Sharma said the power infrastructure was severely damaged in Puri, Khurda, Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara and Balasore districts during the cyclone. According to a state government official, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Odisha to review the situation. Modi spoke to Patnaik on Saturday and assured continuous support from the Centre for the rehabilitation work. The East Coast Railway (ECoR) partially resumed operations on the Howrah-Chennai route on Sunday. "Barring the Bhubaneswar-Tirupati Express and the Visakhapatnam Intercity Express, all trains originating from the state capital, including the Bhubaneswar-New Delhi Rajdhani Express, will be running normally from Sunday," an ECoR official said.

Cyclone Fani: Death toll rises to 29 in Odisha, CM announces a relief package

Telecom infrastructure restoration work is on in full swing in cyclone-hit Odisha, where mobile operators Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Reliance Jio have operationalised over 930 base transceiver stations (BTSs), official sources said.

State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd's (BSNL) exchange at Puri has been made operational and mobile service BTS at the exchange building too is now working, they added.

Restoration work is underway in Odisha, which was battered by cyclonic storm 'Fani' on Friday morning.

Sources said that 932 BTSs (base stations for mobile communication) have been made operational by Airtel, Vodafone and Reliance Jio.

In neighbouring West Bengal, 206 BTSs are pending restoration, they added.

The Telecom Department has been closely monitoring the situation and holding review meetings with operators to oversee restoration work.

On Friday, when the storm pounded coastal parts of Odisha, the facility for free SMS was activated, and free interconnect between Airtel, Vodafone Idea, Reliance Jio and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) was facilitated to ensure calls can be made on whichever network is available.

Among other measures, helpline number 1938 was also activated.

Cyclonic storm 'Fani' slammed into the Odisha coast on Friday morning, packing heavy rain and winds with speeds of up to 175 kmph.

Telecom networks in some parts of Odisha, including Puri and Bhubaneswar, had suffered extensive network damage.&nbsp;

Telecom infrastructure restoration work is on in full swing in cyclone-hit Odisha, where mobile operators Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Reliance Jio have operationalised over 930 base transceiver stations (BTSs), official sources said.

Telecom infrastructure restoration work is on in full swing in cyclone-hit Odisha, where mobile operators Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Reliance Jio have operationalised over 930 base transceiver stations (BTSs), official sources said. State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd's (BSNL) exchange at Puri has been made operational and mobile service BTS at the exchange building too is now working, they added. Restoration work is underway in Odisha, which was battered by cyclonic storm 'Fani' on Friday morning. Sources said that 932 BTSs (base stations for mobile communication) have been made operational by Airtel, Vodafone and Reliance Jio. In neighbouring West Bengal, 206 BTSs are pending restoration, they added. The Telecom Department has been closely monitoring the situation and holding review meetings with operators to oversee restoration work. On Friday, when the storm pounded coastal parts of Odisha, the facility for free SMS was activated, and free interconnect between Airtel, Vodafone Idea, Reliance Jio and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) was facilitated to ensure calls can be made on whichever network is available. Among other measures, helpline number 1938 was also activated. Cyclonic storm 'Fani' slammed into the Odisha coast on Friday morning, packing heavy rain and winds with speeds of up to 175 kmph. Telecom networks in some parts of Odisha, including Puri and Bhubaneswar, had suffered extensive network damage.

Cyclone Fani: Telecom firms operationalise over 900 base stations in Odisha; restoration work on

The death toll in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/cyclone-fani-and-why-it-is-so-powerful-215425#largescale-evacuations-215421">Cyclone Fani </a>rose to 16 in Odisha Saturday as the government mounted a massive restoration work across 10,000 villages and 52 urban areas ravaged by the storm that pounded coastal parts of the state, affecting nearly one crore people.

The extremely severe cyclonic storm, that made landfall at Puri on Friday, was one of the "rarest of the rare" summer cyclones -- the first to hit Odisha in 43 years and one of the three to hit in the last 150 years.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-barrels-into-bangladesh-at-least-9-dead-india-grapples-with-aftermath-215854">Cyclone Fani barrels into Bangladesh, at least 9 dead</a>

It unleashed copious rain and windstorm that gusted up to 240 kmph, blowing away thatched houses and swamping towns and villages, before weakening and entering into West Bengal, officials said.

It was the severest cyclone to hit the state since the Super Cyclone of 1999, which had claimed nearly 10,000 lives and devastated vast areas of the state.

The toll due to Cyclone Fani, which stood at eight on Friday, mounted to 16 Saturday -- four deaths in Mayurbhanj district, 3 each in Puri, Bhubaneswar and Jajpur; and 1 each in Keonjhar, Nayagarh and Kendrapara, officials said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Odisha. He spoke to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and assured continuous support from the Centre.

"Spoke to Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Ji and discussed the situation prevailing due to Cyclone Fani. Assured continuous support from the Central Government... The entire nation stands in solidarity with all those affected by the cyclone in different parts," Modi tweeted.

The extremely severe cyclone flattened thatched and kutcha houses, uprooted lakhs of trees, besides electric poles and mobile towers in the coastal Odisha.

The seaside pilgrim town of Puri was the worst hit. Equally devastated were capital Bhubaneswar and neighbouring Cuttack city which plunged into darkness since Friday with the collapse of the power infrastructure.

Chief Minister Patnaik, who reviewed the situation, said the cyclone tore apart critical infrastructure especially power, telecom and water supply.

"Lakhs of trees were uprooted in the cyclone blocking roads, damaging houses and damaging public infrastructure," he said.

"In fact, for Puri district and parts of Khurda where power infrastructure has been totally devastated, we face the challenge of having to set up the entire electrification afresh," Patnaik said.

The districts of Cuttack, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal and Nayagarh have also been affected and detailed information is being collected, he said.

Informing that work is in progress on a war footing for restoration of power and water supply, he said hundreds of engineers and technicians were working to restore the services.

Work is on to restore road communication, Patnaik said, adding four senior officers have been entrusted with the task of monitoring relief, restoration and rehabilitation operations.

The CM said free cooked food will be provided to the cyclone affected people for the next 15 days.

Referring to the devastating Super Cyclone of 1999, Patnaik said, "We are in the process of restoring critical infrastructure."

An estimated one crore people in 10,000 villages and 52 urban agglomerations in around 14 districts were affected by Cyclone Fani, said a senior official.

Men and machinery of NDRF, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force and fire services have launched a massive restoration work, state Special Relief Commissioner B P Sethi said.

Energy secretary Hemant Sharma said around 30 lakh power consumers have been affected. Power infra has been severely damaged in Puri, Khurda, Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara and Balasore districts and efforts are on to restore complete normalcy at the earliest.

In Bhubaneswar city, over 10,000 electric poles have either been uprooted or broken, he said, adding efforts are on to restore power supply in crucial establishments like airport, railway station and hospitals by Saturday night.

Sethi said around 10,000 low power transformers have been damaged due to the cyclone and the government has approached the Steel Authority of India Ltd for expeditious supply of electric poles.

He said the Centre has postponed the examination date for Odisha students who were to appear for NEET and AIIMS examinations. The state has so far been able to restore all national and state highways and district roads.

The state has received additional four NDRF teams for restoration. Most of the NDRF personnel are engaged in Puri, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, he said.

Officials said the Indian Navy, Air Force and Army are on standby to assist in relief and rescue work. The quick reaction team of the premier Naval Training Establishment, INS Chilka located in Odisha was immediately deployed, they said.

The CM said 12 lakh people had been evacuated and shifted to safer locations 24 hours ahead of the cyclone in probably the largest such exercise in the country.

Flight operations at Bhubaneswar airport resumed Saturday and many stranded passengers were sent to Delhi by a special plane, an official said.

The Gopalpur Port also resumed operations on Saturday after suspending work on Friday. Train services were also partially resumed on Howrah-Chennai route, an East Coast Railway (ECoR) official said.

He said trains originating from Bhubaneswar, including the Bhubaneswar-New Delhi Rajdhani Express will run normally from Sunday barring the Bhubaneswar-Tirupati Express and Visakhapatnam Intercity Express.&nbsp;

There will be no trains to and from Puri till May 10 at least, the official said.&nbsp;

The death toll in the Cyclone Fani rose to 16 in Odisha Saturday as the government mounted a massive restoration work across 10,000 villages and 52 urban areas ravaged by the storm that pounded coastal parts of the state, affecting nearly one crore people.

The death toll in the Cyclone Fani rose to 16 in Odisha Saturday as the government mounted a massive restoration work across 10,000 villages and 52 urban areas ravaged by the storm that pounded coastal parts of the state, affecting nearly one crore people. The extremely severe cyclonic storm, that made landfall at Puri on Friday, was one of the "rarest of the rare" summer cyclones -- the first to hit Odisha in 43 years and one of the three to hit in the last 150 years. Also read: Cyclone Fani barrels into Bangladesh, at least 9 dead It unleashed copious rain and windstorm that gusted up to 240 kmph, blowing away thatched houses and swamping towns and villages, before weakening and entering into West Bengal, officials said. It was the severest cyclone to hit the state since the Super Cyclone of 1999, which had claimed nearly 10,000 lives and devastated vast areas of the state. The toll due to Cyclone Fani, which stood at eight on Friday, mounted to 16 Saturday -- four deaths in Mayurbhanj district, 3 each in Puri, Bhubaneswar and Jajpur; and 1 each in Keonjhar, Nayagarh and Kendrapara, officials said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Odisha. He spoke to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and assured continuous support from the Centre. "Spoke to Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Ji and discussed the situation prevailing due to Cyclone Fani. Assured continuous support from the Central Government... The entire nation stands in solidarity with all those affected by the cyclone in different parts," Modi tweeted. The extremely severe cyclone flattened thatched and kutcha houses, uprooted lakhs of trees, besides electric poles and mobile towers in the coastal Odisha. The seaside pilgrim town of Puri was the worst hit. Equally devastated were capital Bhubaneswar and neighbouring Cuttack city which plunged into darkness since Friday with the collapse of the power infrastructure. Chief Minister Patnaik, who reviewed the situation, said the cyclone tore apart critical infrastructure especially power, telecom and water supply. "Lakhs of trees were uprooted in the cyclone blocking roads, damaging houses and damaging public infrastructure," he said. "In fact, for Puri district and parts of Khurda where power infrastructure has been totally devastated, we face the challenge of having to set up the entire electrification afresh," Patnaik said. The districts of Cuttack, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal and Nayagarh have also been affected and detailed information is being collected, he said. Informing that work is in progress on a war footing for restoration of power and water supply, he said hundreds of engineers and technicians were working to restore the services. Work is on to restore road communication, Patnaik said, adding four senior officers have been entrusted with the task of monitoring relief, restoration and rehabilitation operations. The CM said free cooked food will be provided to the cyclone affected people for the next 15 days. Referring to the devastating Super Cyclone of 1999, Patnaik said, "We are in the process of restoring critical infrastructure." An estimated one crore people in 10,000 villages and 52 urban agglomerations in around 14 districts were affected by Cyclone Fani, said a senior official. Men and machinery of NDRF, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force and fire services have launched a massive restoration work, state Special Relief Commissioner B P Sethi said. Energy secretary Hemant Sharma said around 30 lakh power consumers have been affected. Power infra has been severely damaged in Puri, Khurda, Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara and Balasore districts and efforts are on to restore complete normalcy at the earliest. In Bhubaneswar city, over 10,000 electric poles have either been uprooted or broken, he said, adding efforts are on to restore power supply in crucial establishments like airport, railway station and hospitals by Saturday night. Sethi said around 10,000 low power transformers have been damaged due to the cyclone and the government has approached the Steel Authority of India Ltd for expeditious supply of electric poles. He said the Centre has postponed the examination date for Odisha students who were to appear for NEET and AIIMS examinations. The state has so far been able to restore all national and state highways and district roads. The state has received additional four NDRF teams for restoration. Most of the NDRF personnel are engaged in Puri, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, he said. Officials said the Indian Navy, Air Force and Army are on standby to assist in relief and rescue work. The quick reaction team of the premier Naval Training Establishment, INS Chilka located in Odisha was immediately deployed, they said. The CM said 12 lakh people had been evacuated and shifted to safer locations 24 hours ahead of the cyclone in probably the largest such exercise in the country. Flight operations at Bhubaneswar airport resumed Saturday and many stranded passengers were sent to Delhi by a special plane, an official said. The Gopalpur Port also resumed operations on Saturday after suspending work on Friday. Train services were also partially resumed on Howrah-Chennai route, an East Coast Railway (ECoR) official said. He said trains originating from Bhubaneswar, including the Bhubaneswar-New Delhi Rajdhani Express will run normally from Sunday barring the Bhubaneswar-Tirupati Express and Visakhapatnam Intercity Express. There will be no trains to and from Puri till May 10 at least, the official said.

16 dead in Odisha in Cyclone Fani, massive restoration work mounted

As the cyclone, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-makes-landfall-in-west-bengal-215767">Fani wreaked havoc in Odisha on Friday</a> leaving a trail of destruction behind it, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the situation with Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Governor Ganeshi Lal and assured all support from the Central government.

The PM will also visit Odisha on May 6 to 'take stock of the situation'.

"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. The entire nation stands in solidarity with all those affected by the cyclone in different parts," tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"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," said PM in a subsequent tweet.

Also, in the wake up of the fact that cyclone Fani reached West Bengal, PM held discussion with West Bengal Governor over the same. "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," he tweeted.

"Severe Cyclone FANI weakened into a Cyclonic Storm and lay centred at 60 km NW of Kolkata at 0530 IST of 4th May. To weaken into Deep Depression and move into Bangladesh by noon," tweeted IMD.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik held a review meeting with senior officials on the destruction caused by Fani in the state last night. Patnaik said in the last 24 hours, over 12 lakh people have been evacuated from vulnerable districts to safer locations.

"Just now, I reviewed the cyclone situation with the chief secretary and other senior officers. Our first priority is to evacuate people living in vulnerable areas, including kutcha houses. In the last 24 hours, 12 lakh people have been evacuated to safer locations and they are being taken care of in shelters. As we speak, Fani (pronounced Foni) is still passing through Odisha, and an assessment of damage will be possible only after it crosses the state," he said.

Patnaik said Puri, where the cyclone made landfall, has suffered the most amount of damage."Restoration of electricity is a challenge. Electricity supply will be restored in Ganjam by tomorrow. Restoration of communication has been completed in Ganjam and Gajapati districts," he added.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Fani moved north-northeastwards at 20 kmph in the last six hours and weakened into a "severe6 cyclonic storm".

Cyclone Fani made landfall in the morning of May 3 and wreaked havoc in the state of Odisha. It has claimed three lives and left more than 160 injured, besides causing large scale destruction of property.&nbsp;

As the cyclone, Fani wreaked havoc in Odisha on Friday leaving a trail of destruction behind it, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the situation with Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Governor Ganeshi Lal and assured all support from the Central government.

As the cyclone, Fani wreaked havoc in Odisha on Friday leaving a trail of destruction behind it, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the situation with Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Governor Ganeshi Lal and assured all support from the Central government. The PM will also visit Odisha on May 6 to 'take stock of the situation'. "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. The entire nation stands in solidarity with all those affected by the cyclone in different parts," tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "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," said PM in a subsequent tweet. Also, in the wake up of the fact that cyclone Fani reached West Bengal, PM held discussion with West Bengal Governor over the same. "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," he tweeted. "Severe Cyclone FANI weakened into a Cyclonic Storm and lay centred at 60 km NW of Kolkata at 0530 IST of 4th May. To weaken into Deep Depression and move into Bangladesh by noon," tweeted IMD. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik held a review meeting with senior officials on the destruction caused by Fani in the state last night. Patnaik said in the last 24 hours, over 12 lakh people have been evacuated from vulnerable districts to safer locations. "Just now, I reviewed the cyclone situation with the chief secretary and other senior officers. Our first priority is to evacuate people living in vulnerable areas, including kutcha houses. In the last 24 hours, 12 lakh people have been evacuated to safer locations and they are being taken care of in shelters. As we speak, Fani (pronounced Foni) is still passing through Odisha, and an assessment of damage will be possible only after it crosses the state," he said. Patnaik said Puri, where the cyclone made landfall, has suffered the most amount of damage."Restoration of electricity is a challenge. Electricity supply will be restored in Ganjam by tomorrow. Restoration of communication has been completed in Ganjam and Gajapati districts," he added. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Fani moved north-northeastwards at 20 kmph in the last six hours and weakened into a "severe6 cyclonic storm". Cyclone Fani made landfall in the morning of May 3 and wreaked havoc in the state of Odisha. It has claimed three lives and left more than 160 injured, besides causing large scale destruction of property.

Cyclone Fani: PM Modi to visit Odisha on May 6, discusses situation with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik

Cyclone Fani, the strongest to hit India in five years, crashed into Odisha on Friday, mowing down infrastructure and farms but authorities appeared to have kept the death toll down, following a mammoth evacuation effort.

8 casualities so far as Cyclone Fani hits out Odisha

Reports claimed that Cyclone Fani to reach Assam & Bangladesh by today...

Cyclone Fani to reach Assam, Bangladesh by today

Watch How Cyclone Fani racked havoc in East India.

Cyclone Fani racked havoc in East India

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-agency-praises-india-on-minimising-loss-of-life-from-cyclone-fani-215838">Cyclone Fani</a>, one of the biggest to hit India in years, barrelled into Bangladesh on Saturday after leaving a trail of deadly destruction in India.

Thanks to mass evacuations well ahead of time though, a major human disaster of the kind seen in previous cyclones <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-agency-praises-india-on-minimising-loss-of-life-from-cyclone-fani-215838">looked to have been averted</a>.

Bangladeshi police said nine people perished even before the eye of the storm crossed the border on Saturday morning. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-bites-odisha-eight-dead-naveen-patnaik-holds-review-meeting-215768">Eight others died in India</a>, press reports said, although officials could not confirm this.&nbsp;

More than 1.6 million people have been taken to shelters, Bangladeshi officials told AFP, with at least 36 villages flooded after a storm surge breached embankments in coastal areas.

The dead included a minor in Barguna district on the coast and five others killed by lightning in the northern district of Kishoreganj.

"At least 63 people were also injured," Shaheen Sultana, a disaster ministry official, told AFP, with more than 2,000 houses destroyed.

"We are mooring our boat because it's the only means of income for us. Only Allah knows when we can go back to fishing again," Akbar Ali, a fisherman near the town of Dacope in Bangladesh, told AFP while battling surging waves to tie his boat to a tree.

With the storm weakening into a deep depression but still packing a punch, winds of up to 70 kilometres (45 miles) per hour and heavy rain battered overnight and on Saturday morning the Indian state of West Bengal and its capital Kolkata, including the Sundarbans mangrove forest area.

"It's a total mess in islands of the Sunderbans as the cyclone has destroyed everything in its path, fuelling fears rivers could burst their banks and leave vast areas underwater," said Manturam Pakhira, Sunderbans affairs minister.

"Several homes have been flattened, roofs blown off, electric poles and trees toppled."

Several hundred thousand people were told to evacuate coastal areas of West Bengal before the arrival of Fani ("snake" in Bengali), with 5,000 leaving the low-lying areas and old, dilapidated buildings of Kolkata, home to 4.6 million people.

"Nearly a dozen people were trapped as an old building in the northern part of the city has collapsed," mayor Firhad Hakim said. "They have been rescued and shifted to a safer place."

India averted major human disaster

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that on Monday he would visit Odisha where Fani made landfall on Friday, packing winds gusting up to 200 kilometres (125 miles) an hour, sending coconut trees flying, knocking down power lines and cutting off water and telecommunications.&nbsp;

Eight people were killed in Odisha, the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency reported, including a teenage boy crushed under a tree and a woman hit by concrete debris.

Unable to confirm the death toll, Odisha disaster management official Prabhat Mahapatra told AFP there were about 160 people injured in Puri alone.

"It just went dark and then suddenly we could barely see five metres in front of us," said one Puri resident. "The wind is deafening."

PTI reported that a construction crane collapsed and that a police booth was dragged 60 metres by the wind. Electricity pylons were down, tin roofs were ripped off and windows on many buildings were smashed.

'Fani'&nbsp;weakens in West Bengal&nbsp;

Meanwhile, 'Fani' has now weakened into a deep depression and lay centred over Bangladesh and expected to weaken further into a depression.

"The CS 'FANI' over Gangetic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-makes-landfall-in-west-bengal-215767">West Bengal</a> moved further east-northeastwards and weakened into a Deep Depression, lay centred at 08.30 hrs IST over Bangladesh near lat 23.6degN and long 88.8degE. It is very likely to move northeastwards, weaken further into a depression during next 06 hrs," tweeted India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Rain lashed Kolkata as cyclone Fani hit West Bengal by crossing Kharagpur earlier on Saturday. Trees were uprooted in towns in coastal West Bengal including Digha, Mandarmani, Tajpur, Sandehskhali and Contai as the storm surge forward.

After crossing Kharagpur, it moved further in North-East direction with approximately a wind speed of 90 km/hour. NDRF personnel were clearing the uprooted trees from the road at Digha and other places.

"Cyclone Fani has weakened and is covering areas of West Bengal in the form of the cyclone. It is further moving towards Bangladesh. The situation is under control and there is not much damaging effect. 9 teams of NDRF are present in West Bengal," said Randeep Kumar Rana, DIG Operations, NDRF.

&nbsp;

Cyclone Fani, one of the biggest to hit India in years, barrelled into Bangladesh on Saturday after leaving a trail of deadly destruction in India. Thanks to mass evacuations well ahead of time though, a major human disaster of the kind seen in previous cyclones looked to have been averted.

Cyclone Fani, one of the biggest to hit India in years, barrelled into Bangladesh on Saturday after leaving a trail of deadly destruction in India. Thanks to mass evacuations well ahead of time though, a major human disaster of the kind seen in previous cyclones looked to have been averted. Bangladeshi police said nine people perished even before the eye of the storm crossed the border on Saturday morning. Eight others died in India, press reports said, although officials could not confirm this. More than 1.6 million people have been taken to shelters, Bangladeshi officials told AFP, with at least 36 villages flooded after a storm surge breached embankments in coastal areas. The dead included a minor in Barguna district on the coast and five others killed by lightning in the northern district of Kishoreganj. "At least 63 people were also injured," Shaheen Sultana, a disaster ministry official, told AFP, with more than 2,000 houses destroyed. "We are mooring our boat because it's the only means of income for us. Only Allah knows when we can go back to fishing again," Akbar Ali, a fisherman near the town of Dacope in Bangladesh, told AFP while battling surging waves to tie his boat to a tree. With the storm weakening into a deep depression but still packing a punch, winds of up to 70 kilometres (45 miles) per hour and heavy rain battered overnight and on Saturday morning the Indian state of West Bengal and its capital Kolkata, including the Sundarbans mangrove forest area. "It's a total mess in islands of the Sunderbans as the cyclone has destroyed everything in its path, fuelling fears rivers could burst their banks and leave vast areas underwater," said Manturam Pakhira, Sunderbans affairs minister. "Several homes have been flattened, roofs blown off, electric poles and trees toppled." Several hundred thousand people were told to evacuate coastal areas of West Bengal before the arrival of Fani ("snake" in Bengali), with 5,000 leaving the low-lying areas and old, dilapidated buildings of Kolkata, home to 4.6 million people. "Nearly a dozen people were trapped as an old building in the northern part of the city has collapsed," mayor Firhad Hakim said. "They have been rescued and shifted to a safer place." India averted major human disaster Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that on Monday he would visit Odisha where Fani made landfall on Friday, packing winds gusting up to 200 kilometres (125 miles) an hour, sending coconut trees flying, knocking down power lines and cutting off water and telecommunications. Eight people were killed in Odisha, the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency reported, including a teenage boy crushed under a tree and a woman hit by concrete debris. Unable to confirm the death toll, Odisha disaster management official Prabhat Mahapatra told AFP there were about 160 people injured in Puri alone. "It just went dark and then suddenly we could barely see five metres in front of us," said one Puri resident. "The wind is deafening." PTI reported that a construction crane collapsed and that a police booth was dragged 60 metres by the wind. Electricity pylons were down, tin roofs were ripped off and windows on many buildings were smashed. 'Fani' weakens in West Bengal Meanwhile, 'Fani' has now weakened into a deep depression and lay centred over Bangladesh and expected to weaken further into a depression. "The CS 'FANI' over Gangetic West Bengal moved further east-northeastwards and weakened into a Deep Depression, lay centred at 08.30 hrs IST over Bangladesh near lat 23.6degN and long 88.8degE. It is very likely to move northeastwards, weaken further into a depression during next 06 hrs," tweeted India Meteorological Department (IMD). Rain lashed Kolkata as cyclone Fani hit West Bengal by crossing Kharagpur earlier on Saturday. Trees were uprooted in towns in coastal West Bengal including Digha, Mandarmani, Tajpur, Sandehskhali and Contai as the storm surge forward. After crossing Kharagpur, it moved further in North-East direction with approximately a wind speed of 90 km/hour. NDRF personnel were clearing the uprooted trees from the road at Digha and other places. "Cyclone Fani has weakened and is covering areas of West Bengal in the form of the cyclone. It is further moving towards Bangladesh. The situation is under control and there is not much damaging effect. 9 teams of NDRF are present in West Bengal," said Randeep Kumar Rana, DIG Operations, NDRF.

Cyclone Fani barrels into Bangladesh, at least 9 dead

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