Cyclone Fani leaves 12 dead in Odisha, relief work underway. Watch the full video to know more.

13 dead as Cyclone Fani hits Odisha

The severe cyclonic storm Fani entered West Bengal through Odisha's Balasore which led to heavy rainfall in the state. \Watch full video to know more.

Cyclone Fani hits West Bengal triggering strong winds and heavy rainfall

The UN agency for disaster reduction has commended the Indian Meteorological Department's "almost pinpoint accuracy" of early warnings that helped authorities conduct a well-targeted evacuation plan and minimise the loss of life as extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani made landfall near the coastal city of Puri.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-makes-landfall-in-west-bengal-215767">The powerful cyclone</a>, strongest to hit India in 20 years, made landfall at around 8 AM in India's eastern state of Odisha, killing at least eight people.

Large areas in the seaside pilgrim town of Puri and other places were submerged as heavy rains battered the entire coastal belt of the state affecting about 11 lakh people. 
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has classified Fani as an "extremely severe cyclonic storm".

UN agencies are monitoring Fani's movements closely and taking measures to protect families living in refugee camps in Bangladesh, which is on alert.

The Cyclone lashed the coast with maximum wind speeds of up to 175 kilometres per hour, heavy rainfall and coastal flooding, with 28 million people living along the route of the massive storm.

"India's zero casualty approach to managing extreme weather events is a major contribution to the implementation of the #SendaiFramework and the reduction of loss of life from such events," Mami Mizutori, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) for Disaster Risk Reduction, and head of the Geneva-based UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), said.

Mizutori was referring to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, the first major agreement of the post-2015 development agenda.

It is a 15-year, voluntary, non-binding agreement which recognises that the state has the primary role to reduce disaster risk but that responsibility should be shared with other stakeholders including the local government, the private sector and other stakeholders.

Highlighting the zero-casualty cyclone preparedness policy of the Indian government, a spokesperson for UNISDR, Denis McClean said, "the almost pinpoint accuracy of the early warnings from the Indian Meteorological Department had enabled the authorities to conduct a well-targeted evacuation plan, which had involved moving more than one million people into storm shelters".

UNISDR also tweeted about the advisory distributed by India's National Disaster Management Authority and local authorities days before Fani made landfall in an effort to minimise loss of life and injury.

Local authorities are accommodating evacuees in over 4,000 shelters, including 880 specially designed to withstand cyclones.

"Schools were shut, airports closed and transport suspended, and although damage to infrastructure was expected to be severe, there were no reports of any deaths," McClean said.

According to preliminary reports, eight people have been killed due to the cyclone, which has the potential to cause widespread loss of life.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' spokesperson St?phane Dujarric told reporters that the UN humanitarian agencies in India have met ahead of the storm's arrival to take stock of preparedness measures.

With Fani threatening devastation in India and Mozambique still reeling from Cyclone Idai, one of the worst tropical cyclones, UNICEF raised alarm about impact of climate change on children.

The UN children's agency said the cyclone currently hammering India and the back-to-back cyclones that tore through Mozambique in March and April have caused serious damage to the lives of thousands of children. They should be an urgent wake-up call to world leaders on the serious risks that extreme weather events pose to the lives of children.

In Odisha, 28 million people, including 10 million children, are in the path of Cyclone Fani, UNICEF said.

"Children will bear the brunt of these disasters," said Gautam Narasimhan, UNICEF Senior Adviser on Climate Change.

He said climate change is linked to rising sea levels and the increase in rainfall associated with cyclones, causing more devastation in coastal but also inland areas.

"In the short term, the most vulnerable children are at the risk of drowning and landslides, deadly diseases including cholera and malaria, malnutrition from reduced agricultural production, and psychological trauma ? all of which are compounded when health centres and schools are impacted," he said.

Narasimhan warned that in the long term, cycles of poverty can linger for years and limit the capacity of families and communities to adapt to climate change and to reduce the risk of disasters.

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the forecast on Friday was that Cyclone Fani "would move north-northeast towards Bangladesh where there were concerns about the effects of potential coastal flooding".

World Meteorological Organization spokesperson Clare Nullis said the impact the cyclone is expected to be less severe in areas such as Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar which is home to the world's largest refugee camp, populated mainly by Rohingyas who have fled Myanmar.

Meanwhile, Americares, a health-focused relief and development organization, said its India arm Americares India is preparing to deliver medicine and relief supplies to assist survivors, including tarps, water cans and water purification tablets for up to 3,000 families.

Americares India Managing Director Shripad Desai said, "We anticipate thousands of families will need shelter and medical care in the coming days".&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The UN agency for disaster reduction has commended the Indian Meteorological Department's "almost pinpoint accuracy" of early warnings that helped authorities conduct a well-targeted evacuation plan and minimise the loss of life as extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani made landfall near the coastal city of Puri.

The UN agency for disaster reduction has commended the Indian Meteorological Department's "almost pinpoint accuracy" of early warnings that helped authorities conduct a well-targeted evacuation plan and minimise the loss of life as extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani made landfall near the coastal city of Puri. The powerful cyclone, strongest to hit India in 20 years, made landfall at around 8 AM in India's eastern state of Odisha, killing at least eight people. Large areas in the seaside pilgrim town of Puri and other places were submerged as heavy rains battered the entire coastal belt of the state affecting about 11 lakh people. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has classified Fani as an "extremely severe cyclonic storm". UN agencies are monitoring Fani's movements closely and taking measures to protect families living in refugee camps in Bangladesh, which is on alert. The Cyclone lashed the coast with maximum wind speeds of up to 175 kilometres per hour, heavy rainfall and coastal flooding, with 28 million people living along the route of the massive storm. "India's zero casualty approach to managing extreme weather events is a major contribution to the implementation of the #SendaiFramework and the reduction of loss of life from such events," Mami Mizutori, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) for Disaster Risk Reduction, and head of the Geneva-based UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), said. Mizutori was referring to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, the first major agreement of the post-2015 development agenda. It is a 15-year, voluntary, non-binding agreement which recognises that the state has the primary role to reduce disaster risk but that responsibility should be shared with other stakeholders including the local government, the private sector and other stakeholders. Highlighting the zero-casualty cyclone preparedness policy of the Indian government, a spokesperson for UNISDR, Denis McClean said, "the almost pinpoint accuracy of the early warnings from the Indian Meteorological Department had enabled the authorities to conduct a well-targeted evacuation plan, which had involved moving more than one million people into storm shelters". UNISDR also tweeted about the advisory distributed by India's National Disaster Management Authority and local authorities days before Fani made landfall in an effort to minimise loss of life and injury. Local authorities are accommodating evacuees in over 4,000 shelters, including 880 specially designed to withstand cyclones. "Schools were shut, airports closed and transport suspended, and although damage to infrastructure was expected to be severe, there were no reports of any deaths," McClean said. According to preliminary reports, eight people have been killed due to the cyclone, which has the potential to cause widespread loss of life. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' spokesperson St?phane Dujarric told reporters that the UN humanitarian agencies in India have met ahead of the storm's arrival to take stock of preparedness measures. With Fani threatening devastation in India and Mozambique still reeling from Cyclone Idai, one of the worst tropical cyclones, UNICEF raised alarm about impact of climate change on children. The UN children's agency said the cyclone currently hammering India and the back-to-back cyclones that tore through Mozambique in March and April have caused serious damage to the lives of thousands of children. They should be an urgent wake-up call to world leaders on the serious risks that extreme weather events pose to the lives of children. In Odisha, 28 million people, including 10 million children, are in the path of Cyclone Fani, UNICEF said. "Children will bear the brunt of these disasters," said Gautam Narasimhan, UNICEF Senior Adviser on Climate Change. He said climate change is linked to rising sea levels and the increase in rainfall associated with cyclones, causing more devastation in coastal but also inland areas. "In the short term, the most vulnerable children are at the risk of drowning and landslides, deadly diseases including cholera and malaria, malnutrition from reduced agricultural production, and psychological trauma ? all of which are compounded when health centres and schools are impacted," he said. Narasimhan warned that in the long term, cycles of poverty can linger for years and limit the capacity of families and communities to adapt to climate change and to reduce the risk of disasters. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the forecast on Friday was that Cyclone Fani "would move north-northeast towards Bangladesh where there were concerns about the effects of potential coastal flooding". World Meteorological Organization spokesperson Clare Nullis said the impact the cyclone is expected to be less severe in areas such as Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar which is home to the world's largest refugee camp, populated mainly by Rohingyas who have fled Myanmar. Meanwhile, Americares, a health-focused relief and development organization, said its India arm Americares India is preparing to deliver medicine and relief supplies to assist survivors, including tarps, water cans and water purification tablets for up to 3,000 families. Americares India Managing Director Shripad Desai said, "We anticipate thousands of families will need shelter and medical care in the coming days".

UN agency praises India on minimising loss of life from Cyclone Fani

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Odisha on May 6 to take stock of the situation arising in the wake of Cyclone Fani. Watch the full video to know more.

PM Modi to visit Odisha on May 6 to take stock of the situation

Cyclone Fani has hit Odisha this morning and has started making its impact felt and now it is moving towards the Indian state of West BEngal. Watch full video to know more.

Cyclone Fani heading towards West Bengal

Over 4,000 specialised personnel as part of 81 NDRF teams have been deployed to deal with the 'extremely severe<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cyclone-fani-hits-sri-lanka-with-heavy-rainfall-214916&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwisu8GZ6PzhAhXG7XMBHQsIA90QFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3KYJmV0qU5ZLq8XlPBON94">' cyclone 'Fani'</a> which is likely to affect Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal upon its landfall on Friday.

NDRF chief S N Pradhan told that about 50 teams have been pre-positioned in the coastal areas of Odisha,<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/navy-coast-guard-ships-ndrf-teams-deployed-along-east-coast-to-deal-with-cyclone-fani-214847&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiirMTK6PzhAhXi4HMBHbdODV8QFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0rcJtNjTtcQNJ-CD5h_HuA"> Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal</a> which are feared to be affected while another 31 teams have been kept on standby.

Twenty-eight fully equipped teams have been deployed in and around Puri in Odisha as the cyclonic storm is expected to make landfall there Friday noon, the NDRF Director General (DG) said.

Similarly, 12 teams have been&nbsp;deployed in Andhra Pradesh and six in West Bengal. The rest of the teams, that comprise about 50 personnel each, have been kept on standby in these states.

Pradhan said a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and a commandant-rank officer have also been tasked to monitor the activities of the rescue and relief teams from the ground in Odisha's capital Bhubaneswar and Puri.

The teams have been equipped with additional boats, satellite phones, medical equipment, medicines, tree cutters, pickup and common mobility vehicles, and other gadgets, he said.

The force has also activated a round-the-clock control room at its headquarters here and a team of officials is in constant touch with the<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-likely-to-cross-odisha-coast-tomorrow-india-meteorological-department-215312&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjOmPj56PzhAhVc8XMBHSWVB0EQFjAEegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3b_nHveE7WMqg9iU-za6lJ"> India Meteorological Department </a>(IMD) and the disaster response units of the three states.

NDRF teams have also been kept on alert in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

"Cyclone 'Fani' is expected to cross the Odisha coast between Gopalpur and Chandbali to the south of Puri on May 3.

NDRF teams are creating awareness among the locals in vulnerable areas about the measures to be taken to deal with the cyclonic storm and other eventualities.

The state administration has set up a number of relief camps," an NDRF spokesperson said. The spokesperson said the NDRF teams have doctors, paramedics, engineers, deep divers and are equipped with boats, buoys, life jackets, scuba sets and latest communication equipment like a quickly deployable antenna (QDA), HF/VHF sets so that communication links function even if normal communication network fails.

Fani lays centred over West Central Bay of Bengal, about 430 km south-southwest of Puri in Odisha, 225 km south-southeast of Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and 650 km south-southwest of Digha in West Bengal, as per the latest bulletin of the IMD.

Over 4,000 specialised personnel as part of 81 NDRF teams have been deployed to deal with the 'extremely severe' cyclone 'Fani' which is likely to affect Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal upon its landfall on Friday.

Over 4,000 specialised personnel as part of 81 NDRF teams have been deployed to deal with the 'extremely severe' cyclone 'Fani' which is likely to affect Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal upon its landfall on Friday. NDRF chief S N Pradhan told that about 50 teams have been pre-positioned in the coastal areas of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal which are feared to be affected while another 31 teams have been kept on standby. Twenty-eight fully equipped teams have been deployed in and around Puri in Odisha as the cyclonic storm is expected to make landfall there Friday noon, the NDRF Director General (DG) said. Similarly, 12 teams have been deployed in Andhra Pradesh and six in West Bengal. The rest of the teams, that comprise about 50 personnel each, have been kept on standby in these states. Pradhan said a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and a commandant-rank officer have also been tasked to monitor the activities of the rescue and relief teams from the ground in Odisha's capital Bhubaneswar and Puri. The teams have been equipped with additional boats, satellite phones, medical equipment, medicines, tree cutters, pickup and common mobility vehicles, and other gadgets, he said. The force has also activated a round-the-clock control room at its headquarters here and a team of officials is in constant touch with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the disaster response units of the three states. NDRF teams have also been kept on alert in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. "Cyclone 'Fani' is expected to cross the Odisha coast between Gopalpur and Chandbali to the south of Puri on May 3. NDRF teams are creating awareness among the locals in vulnerable areas about the measures to be taken to deal with the cyclonic storm and other eventualities. The state administration has set up a number of relief camps," an NDRF spokesperson said. The spokesperson said the NDRF teams have doctors, paramedics, engineers, deep divers and are equipped with boats, buoys, life jackets, scuba sets and latest communication equipment like a quickly deployable antenna (QDA), HF/VHF sets so that communication links function even if normal communication network fails. Fani lays centred over West Central Bay of Bengal, about 430 km south-southwest of Puri in Odisha, 225 km south-southeast of Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and 650 km south-southwest of Digha in West Bengal, as per the latest bulletin of the IMD.

Cyclone Fani: 81 NDRF teams comprising over 4,000 personnel deployed

More than 200 trains and several flights have been cancelled as 'extremely severe' storm hit Odisha. Watch full video to know more.

Trains cancelled, rescuers on standby as Odisha, Bengal braces for Cyclone Fani

According to the IMD department the wind speed is expected to be between 170 and 180 km an hour, which can even reach up to 200 km at the time of landfall. Watch full video to know more.

Wind speed of Cyclone Fani expected to be between 170 and 180 km per hour

About ten thousand villages and 52 towns are likely to be affected by cyclonic storm Fani, which is just 80 kms away from Odisha. Watch full video to know more.

Cyclone Fani just 80 kms aways from Odisha

In view of cyclone storm Fani intensifying into a ‘Severe Cyclonic Storm’ over the south-east and adjoining south-west Bay of Bengal, the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) is on high alert to render necessary humanitarian assistance.

WION Fineprint: Exclusive conversation with Hurricane Chaser Josh Morgerman

Cyclonic storm Fani is just 80 kms away from Odisha.Here's a list of do's and don'ts to keep you safe. Watch full video to know more.

Cyclone Fani: Here is how you can stay safe

Almost 1 million people have been evacuated as India’s worst cyclone in 20 years hits today. Watch full video to know more.

1 Million people shifted to shelters as Cyclone Fani nears India

India's Meteorological Department(IMD) in its latest update said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-makes-landfall-near-puri-in-odisha-215545">Cyclone Fani had completely moved</a> inland on Friday morning.

The extremely severe Cyclonic Storm Fani is very likely to move north-northeastwards and weaken into a very severe cyclonic storm during the next 6 hours, IMD said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/first-pics-from-odisha-as-cyclone-fani-makes-landfall-215566">Also See:&nbsp;First pics from Odisha as Cyclone Fani makes landfall</a>

The cyclone had made landfall near Puri in Odisha a few hours ago hitting the district with wind speeds of up to 180-200&nbsp;kilometre per hour.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
THE EXTREMELY SEVERE CYCLONIC STORM “FANI” LAY CENTERED AT 0930 HOURS IST OF TODAY, 03rd MAY, 2019 NEAR LAT. 19.80N AND LONG. 85.70E OVER ODISHA COAST CLOSE TO PURI. LATEST OBSERVATION INDICATES THAT THE EYE OF THE SYSTEM HAS COMPLETELY MOVED INTO LAND BY 1000 HRS IST OF TODAY. <a href="https://t.co/tsJ87o1NpD">pic.twitter.com/tsJ87o1NpD</a>
— India Met. Dept. (@Indiametdept) <a href="https://twitter.com/Indiametdept/status/1124177514568372224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Large areas in the seaside pilgrim town of Puri and other places were submerged with water as heavy rains battered the entire coastal belt of the state.

Several trees were uprooted and thatched structures destroyed at some places including Bhubaneswar.

"The cyclone has entered the Odisha coast at Puri around 8 am and it will take around three hours for the entire landfall process to be completed," Director of Regional Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar, H R Biswas said.

The cyclonic system, whose eye is around 28 km, is moving at around 30 kmph, Biswas said, adding the process of landfall is expected to be complete around 11am.

Puri and neighbouring areas are experiencing wind with a speed of 175 kilometres per hour which may go up to 200 kmph.

Over 1 million people have been evacuated from the east coast covering Odisha and West Bengal in the wake of the cyclone. The NDRF team along with Naval coast guard have been on alert to ensure relief supplies reach the affected area.

India's Meteorological Department(IMD) in its latest update said Cyclone Fani had completely moved inland on Friday morning. The extremely severe Cyclonic Storm Fani is very likely to move north-northeastwards and weaken into a very severe cyclonic storm during the next 6 hours, IMD said.

India's Meteorological Department(IMD) in its latest update said Cyclone Fani had completely moved inland on Friday morning. The extremely severe Cyclonic Storm Fani is very likely to move north-northeastwards and weaken into a very severe cyclonic storm during the next 6 hours, IMD said. Also See: First pics from Odisha as Cyclone Fani makes landfall The cyclone had made landfall near Puri in Odisha a few hours ago hitting the district with wind speeds of up to 180-200 kilometre per hour. THE EXTREMELY SEVERE CYCLONIC STORM “FANI” LAY CENTERED AT 0930 HOURS IST OF TODAY, 03rd MAY, 2019 NEAR LAT. 19.80N AND LONG. 85.70E OVER ODISHA COAST CLOSE TO PURI. LATEST OBSERVATION INDICATES THAT THE EYE OF THE SYSTEM HAS COMPLETELY MOVED INTO LAND BY 1000 HRS IST OF TODAY. pic.twitter.com/tsJ87o1NpD — India Met. Dept. (@Indiametdept) May 3, 2019 × Large areas in the seaside pilgrim town of Puri and other places were submerged with water as heavy rains battered the entire coastal belt of the state. Several trees were uprooted and thatched structures destroyed at some places including Bhubaneswar. "The cyclone has entered the Odisha coast at Puri around 8 am and it will take around three hours for the entire landfall process to be completed," Director of Regional Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar, H R Biswas said. The cyclonic system, whose eye is around 28 km, is moving at around 30 kmph, Biswas said, adding the process of landfall is expected to be complete around 11am. Puri and neighbouring areas are experiencing wind with a speed of 175 kilometres per hour which may go up to 200 kmph. Over 1 million people have been evacuated from the east coast covering Odisha and West Bengal in the wake of the cyclone. The NDRF team along with Naval coast guard have been on alert to ensure relief supplies reach the affected area.

After landfall, Cyclone Fani has moved inland into Odisha: IMD

Cyclone Fani made landfall at 8am on Friday close <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/landfall-process-of-cyclone-fani-begins-likely-to-last-another-3-hours-imd-215542">to Puri district in Odisha</a>&nbsp;in eastern India, with the area recording wind speeds of 145 kilometres per hour, India's Metrological Department(IMD)&nbsp;said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-81-teams-ndrf-comprising-over-4000-personnel-deployed-215417">Cyclone Warning Division </a>of the IMD&nbsp;said the process of landfall will continue for the next three hours.

Rain and strong winds hit Paradip coast, Odisha on Friday morning.&nbsp;Strong winds also hit Visakhapatnam as Cyclone Fani made&nbsp;landfall in&nbsp;Puri.

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The area along Puri is witnessing winds with a speed of 145 kilometres per hour that could reach up to 180-200 kmph, which could bring&nbsp;"extensive damage", the IMD&nbsp;added.

Authorities in India's east coast in Odisha and West Bengal have evacuated more than one million people out of the path of the "extremely severe cyclone".

All major airports were closed on Friday morning in Odisha and West Bengal and the railway network virtually closed ahead of the arrival of the cyclone.

Thousands of people in West Bengal have been evacuated to safer areas with special teams deployed in villages to ensure safety.

India's Navy has also been positioned in the east coast to ensure relief work reaches people affected by the cyclone on time.&nbsp;

Cyclone Fani made landfall at 8am on Friday close to Puri district in Odisha in eastern India, with the area recording wind speeds of 145 kilometres per hour, India's Metrological Department(IMD) said.

Cyclone Fani made landfall at 8am on Friday close to Puri district in Odisha in eastern India, with the area recording wind speeds of 145 kilometres per hour, India's Metrological Department(IMD) said. Cyclone Warning Division of the IMD said the process of landfall will continue for the next three hours. Rain and strong winds hit Paradip coast, Odisha on Friday morning. Strong winds also hit Visakhapatnam as Cyclone Fani made landfall in Puri. The area along Puri is witnessing winds with a speed of 145 kilometres per hour that could reach up to 180-200 kmph, which could bring "extensive damage", the IMD added. Authorities in India's east coast in Odisha and West Bengal have evacuated more than one million people out of the path of the "extremely severe cyclone". All major airports were closed on Friday morning in Odisha and West Bengal and the railway network virtually closed ahead of the arrival of the cyclone. Thousands of people in West Bengal have been evacuated to safer areas with special teams deployed in villages to ensure safety. India's Navy has also been positioned in the east coast to ensure relief work reaches people affected by the cyclone on time.

Cyclone Fani makes landfall near Puri in Odisha with wind speed of 180-200 kilometres per hour

India's Meteorological Department(IMD) said on Friday morning that the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-65-km-from-gopalpur-80-km-away-from-puri-in-odisha-imd-215530"> landfall impact of Cyclone Fani</a> began two hours ago and is likely to last another three hours. The cyclone was about 40 km south-southwest of Puri in Odisha.

The cyclone will cross <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-81-teams-ndrf-comprising-over-4000-personnel-deployed-215417">Odisha coast Gopalpur and Chandbali</a> around Puri in the next three hours, it said.

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Puri reported maximum sustained wind speed of 142 kmph gusting to 174 kmph, the IMD added.

Authorities in India's east coast in Odisha and West Bengal have evacuated more than one million people out of the path of the "extremely severe cyclone".

All major airports were&nbsp;closed on Friday morning in Odisha and West Bengal and the railway network virtually closed ahead of the arrival of the cyclone.

Thousands of people in West Bengal have been evacuated to safer areas with special teams deployed in villages to ensure safety.&nbsp;

"We have heard that the cyclone has turned towards Bengal and it will also hit Kolkata. But people should not panic unnecessarily. All precautionary steps are being taken to prevent any loss of life," Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim said.

Ports around the east coast have been shut with&nbsp;Indian Navy ships deployed to carry out relief operations.

Cyclone Fani is the fourth major storm to slam into India's east coast in three decades, the last in 2017 when Cyclone Ockhi left nearly 250 people dead and more than 600 missing in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.&nbsp;

The worst cyclone on record in Odisha, in 1999, killed almost 10,000 people and caused an estimated $4.5 billion worth of devastation.

India's Meteorological Department(IMD) said on Friday morning that the landfall impact of Cyclone Fani began two hours ago and is likely to last another three hours.

India's Meteorological Department(IMD) said on Friday morning that the landfall impact of Cyclone Fani began two hours ago and is likely to last another three hours. The cyclone was about 40 km south-southwest of Puri in Odisha. The cyclone will cross Odisha coast Gopalpur and Chandbali around Puri in the next three hours, it said. Puri reported maximum sustained wind speed of 142 kmph gusting to 174 kmph, the IMD added. Authorities in India's east coast in Odisha and West Bengal have evacuated more than one million people out of the path of the "extremely severe cyclone". All major airports were closed on Friday morning in Odisha and West Bengal and the railway network virtually closed ahead of the arrival of the cyclone. Thousands of people in West Bengal have been evacuated to safer areas with special teams deployed in villages to ensure safety. "We have heard that the cyclone has turned towards Bengal and it will also hit Kolkata. But people should not panic unnecessarily. All precautionary steps are being taken to prevent any loss of life," Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim said. Ports around the east coast have been shut with Indian Navy ships deployed to carry out relief operations. Cyclone Fani is the fourth major storm to slam into India's east coast in three decades, the last in 2017 when Cyclone Ockhi left nearly 250 people dead and more than 600 missing in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The worst cyclone on record in Odisha, in 1999, killed almost 10,000 people and caused an estimated $4.5 billion worth of devastation.

Landfall process of Cyclone Fani begins, likely to last another 3 hours: IMD

India's Metrological Department(IMD) in its latest update said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-likely-to-make-landfall-in-afternoon-at-least-1-million-evacuated-in-odisha-215523">Cyclone Fani was just 65 kilometres</a> from Gopalpur and 80 kilometres from Puri in Odisha.

The Cyclone Warning Division of the IMD said the wind speed of the '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/cyclone-fani-and-why-it-is-so-powerful-215425">extremely severe Cyclone Fani</a>'&nbsp;could reach 200-230 kilometres when it makes the landfall in the afternoon.&nbsp;

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"The cyclone is moving at a speed of 16 kilometres per hour," the IMD added. In Bhubaneshwar, strong wind conditions already exist. In Puri, strong winds and rainfall have hit the city.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, authorities have closed all schools and Universities around Puri which is expected to face the brunt of the cyclone. The east coast Railway said it had cancelled further 10 more trains for the next three days ahead of the cyclone. Railways had earlier cancelled 147 trains from May 1st to May 3rd.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
RAINFALL REPORTED OVER GOPALPUR-15 CM, PURI-10 CM, BHUBNESHWAR-5 CM, PARADEEP, CHANDBALI, BALASORE-3 EACH; &amp; KALINGAPATNAM-9 CM AT 0630 HRS IST OF TODAY. GOPALPUR &amp; PURI REPORTED WIND SPEED OF 53 (100 KMPH) &amp; 38 KNOTS (70 KMPH) RESPECTIVELY AT 0630 HRS IST OF TODAY. <a href="https://t.co/As2pjfjRDy">pic.twitter.com/As2pjfjRDy</a>
— India Met. Dept. (@Indiametdept) <a href="https://twitter.com/Indiametdept/status/1124121214488727554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In West Bengal which is also expected to face the approaching storm, the state transport department said south Bengal state transport corporation (SBSTC) will operate about 50 buses from Digha on May 3rd to evacuate the stranded tourists to minimise inconvenience caused due to suspension of train operations to Digha.

The Indian Coast Guard has positioned 34 disaster relief teams at different spots and deployed four ships to handle the situation.

Cyclone Fani is billed as the most severe cyclonic storm since the super cyclone of 1999 that claimed close to 10,000 lives and left a trail of destruction in vast swathes of Odisha, according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Centre.

India's Metrological Department(IMD) in its latest update said Cyclone Fani was just 65 kilometres from Gopalpur and 80 kilometres from Puri in Odisha. The Cyclone Warning Division of the IMD said the wind speed of the 'extremely severe Cyclone Fani' could reach 200-230 kilometres when it makes the landfall in the afternoon.

India's Metrological Department(IMD) in its latest update said Cyclone Fani was just 65 kilometres from Gopalpur and 80 kilometres from Puri in Odisha. The Cyclone Warning Division of the IMD said the wind speed of the 'extremely severe Cyclone Fani' could reach 200-230 kilometres when it makes the landfall in the afternoon. "The cyclone is moving at a speed of 16 kilometres per hour," the IMD added. In Bhubaneshwar, strong wind conditions already exist. In Puri, strong winds and rainfall have hit the city. Meanwhile, authorities have closed all schools and Universities around Puri which is expected to face the brunt of the cyclone. The east coast Railway said it had cancelled further 10 more trains for the next three days ahead of the cyclone. Railways had earlier cancelled 147 trains from May 1st to May 3rd. RAINFALL REPORTED OVER GOPALPUR-15 CM, PURI-10 CM, BHUBNESHWAR-5 CM, PARADEEP, CHANDBALI, BALASORE-3 EACH; & KALINGAPATNAM-9 CM AT 0630 HRS IST OF TODAY. GOPALPUR & PURI REPORTED WIND SPEED OF 53 (100 KMPH) & 38 KNOTS (70 KMPH) RESPECTIVELY AT 0630 HRS IST OF TODAY. pic.twitter.com/As2pjfjRDy — India Met. Dept. (@Indiametdept) May 3, 2019 In West Bengal which is also expected to face the approaching storm, the state transport department said south Bengal state transport corporation (SBSTC) will operate about 50 buses from Digha on May 3rd to evacuate the stranded tourists to minimise inconvenience caused due to suspension of train operations to Digha. The Indian Coast Guard has positioned 34 disaster relief teams at different spots and deployed four ships to handle the situation. Cyclone Fani is billed as the most severe cyclonic storm since the super cyclone of 1999 that claimed close to 10,000 lives and left a trail of destruction in vast swathes of Odisha, according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Centre.

Cyclone Fani 65 km from Gopalpur, 80 km away from Puri in Odisha: IMD

Cyclone Fani which made a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/puri-hit-with-wind-speed-of-240-245-kmph-cyclone-fani-moving-towards-west-bengal-coast-imd-215613"> landfall in Odisha</a> earlier during the day is likely to hit West Bengal by today evening.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/first-pics-from-odisha-as-cyclone-fani-makes-landfall-215566">Fani hit Odisha's Puri district</a> in eastern India at around 8 am on Friday.

India's Meteorological Department(IMD) in Hyderabad tracking cyclone Fani said winds have been blowing at a maximum speed of 240-245 km per hour with very heavy rains in Puri and is now likely moving towards West Bengal coast.

"The eye of the storm is likely to be weakened when it enters West Bengal. The wind speed will be around 100 kmph to 110 kmph," an official of the meteorological department said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/cyclone-fani-and-why-it-is-so-powerful-215425">Cyclone Fani and why it is so powerful</a>

Three&nbsp;people were killed due to the cyclone, an official said.

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One man died of a heart attack in one of several thousand shelters that have been set up, AFP reported.

"Another person went out in the storm despite our warnings and died because a tree fell on him," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-telecommunication-networks-partially-disrupted-in-puri-bhubaneswar-215591">Odisha</a> special relief commissioner Bishnupada Sethi said.

Normal life in and around Kolkata was thrown out of gear as cyclonic storm 'Fani' made landfall in neighbouring Odisha.

Moderate to heavy rains lashed various parts of the city, causing heavy traffic congestion in north and south Kolkata.

In view of the storm heading towards West Bengal, many political parties have cancelled their election programmes for the next 24 hours.

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee has cancelled all her political meetings for the next 48 hours.

A red alert has been issued in coastal areas and fishermen have been asked not to venture into the sea.

The state government has taken precautionary measures for districts like East and West Midnapore, both North and South 24 Parganas besides, Howrah, Hooghly, Jhargram and Kolkata and Sundarbans to avert any untoward incident.

Several trains from the city have been cancelled while the city airport has decided to remain shut from 3 PM Friday till 8 AM Saturday.

Kolkata Police has opened a control room at its headquarters to monitor the situation in the city.

All government and government-aided schools have suspended classes from Friday and the Health Department has cancelled leave of doctors and the staff till May 6.

(With inputs from agencies)

Cyclone Fani which made a landfall in Odisha earlier during the day is likely to hit West Bengal by today evening. Fani hit Odisha's Puri district in eastern India at around 8 am on Friday.

Cyclone Fani which made a landfall in Odisha earlier during the day is likely to hit West Bengal by today evening. Fani hit Odisha's Puri district in eastern India at around 8 am on Friday. India's Meteorological Department(IMD) in Hyderabad tracking cyclone Fani said winds have been blowing at a maximum speed of 240-245 km per hour with very heavy rains in Puri and is now likely moving towards West Bengal coast. "The eye of the storm is likely to be weakened when it enters West Bengal. The wind speed will be around 100 kmph to 110 kmph," an official of the meteorological department said. Also read: Cyclone Fani and why it is so powerful Three people were killed due to the cyclone, an official said. × One man died of a heart attack in one of several thousand shelters that have been set up, AFP reported. "Another person went out in the storm despite our warnings and died because a tree fell on him," Odisha special relief commissioner Bishnupada Sethi said. Normal life in and around Kolkata was thrown out of gear as cyclonic storm 'Fani' made landfall in neighbouring Odisha. Moderate to heavy rains lashed various parts of the city, causing heavy traffic congestion in north and south Kolkata. In view of the storm heading towards West Bengal, many political parties have cancelled their election programmes for the next 24 hours. West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee has cancelled all her political meetings for the next 48 hours. A red alert has been issued in coastal areas and fishermen have been asked not to venture into the sea. The state government has taken precautionary measures for districts like East and West Midnapore, both North and South 24 Parganas besides, Howrah, Hooghly, Jhargram and Kolkata and Sundarbans to avert any untoward incident. Several trains from the city have been cancelled while the city airport has decided to remain shut from 3 PM Friday till 8 AM Saturday. Kolkata Police has opened a control room at its headquarters to monitor the situation in the city. All government and government-aided schools have suspended classes from Friday and the Health Department has cancelled leave of doctors and the staff till May 6. (With inputs from agencies)

'Fani' heading towards West Bengal, rain lashes Kolkata

Ahead of cyclone Fani hitting the coast, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-to-hit-10000-villages-52-towns-massive-evacuation-underway-215467">Odisha government informed overnight </a>on Thursday&nbsp;that nearly one million people were evacuated in the last 24 hours from vulnerable districts.

The state government said at least 3 lakh people from Ganjam and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/cyclone-fani-and-why-it-is-so-powerful-215425">1.3 lakh from Puri district</a> were evacuated.

Meanwhile, India's Metrological Department said cyclone Fani is likely to move north-northeastwards and the cross Odisha coast between Gopalpur and Chandbali, south of Puri on Friday.

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IMD said the cyclone on Friday&nbsp;afternoon is likely to have maximum sustained wind speed of 170-180 kmph gusting to 200 kmph.&nbsp;

Landfall is very likely to continue till noon and afternoon of Friday, the IMD said.

After landfall the cyclone is likely to continue to move north-northeastwards, weaken gradually and emerge into Gangetic West Bengal as a "Severe Cyclonic Storm" with wind speed of 90-100 Kmph gusting to 115 kmph by early morning of Saturday, the IMD added.&nbsp;

"It is very likely to move further north-northeastwards and emerge into Bangladesh on May 4th evening as a "Cyclonic Storm" with wind speed of 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph.

The IMD has forecast thunderstorm, dusty winds and light rainfall in several places along the Odisha coast as cyclone Fani begins to enter the area.

The authorities have made elaborate plans including positioning 4,000 specialised personnel as part of 81 NDRF teams have been deployed to deal with the 'extremely severe' cyclone 'Fani'.

Twenty-eight fully equipped teams have also been deployed in and around Puri in Odisha which is likely to be hit hard.

Ahead of cyclone Fani hitting the coast, the Odisha government informed overnight on Thursday that nearly one million people were evacuated in the last 24 hours from vulnerable districts.

Ahead of cyclone Fani hitting the coast, the Odisha government informed overnight on Thursday that nearly one million people were evacuated in the last 24 hours from vulnerable districts. The state government said at least 3 lakh people from Ganjam and 1.3 lakh from Puri district were evacuated. Meanwhile, India's Metrological Department said cyclone Fani is likely to move north-northeastwards and the cross Odisha coast between Gopalpur and Chandbali, south of Puri on Friday. IMD said the cyclone on Friday afternoon is likely to have maximum sustained wind speed of 170-180 kmph gusting to 200 kmph. Landfall is very likely to continue till noon and afternoon of Friday, the IMD said. After landfall the cyclone is likely to continue to move north-northeastwards, weaken gradually and emerge into Gangetic West Bengal as a "Severe Cyclonic Storm" with wind speed of 90-100 Kmph gusting to 115 kmph by early morning of Saturday, the IMD added. "It is very likely to move further north-northeastwards and emerge into Bangladesh on May 4th evening as a "Cyclonic Storm" with wind speed of 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph. The IMD has forecast thunderstorm, dusty winds and light rainfall in several places along the Odisha coast as cyclone Fani begins to enter the area. The authorities have made elaborate plans including positioning 4,000 specialised personnel as part of 81 NDRF teams have been deployed to deal with the 'extremely severe' cyclone 'Fani'. Twenty-eight fully equipped teams have also been deployed in and around Puri in Odisha which is likely to be hit hard.

Cyclone Fani likely to make landfall in afternoon, at least 1 million evacuated in Odisha

Three people have died as Cyclone Fani battered Odisha on Friday, news agency PTI reported quoting officials.&nbsp;

India's Meteorological Department(IMD) in Hyderabad tracking cyclone Fani said winds have been blowing at a maximum speed of 240-245 km per hour with very heavy rains in Puri and is now likely moving towards West Bengal coast.

"The eye of the storm is likely to be weakened when it enters West Bengal. The wind speed will be around 100 kmph to 110 kmph," an official of the meteorological department said.

According to the National<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fani-heading-towards-west-bengal-rain-lashes-city-215652"> Emergency Response Centre</a>, under the home ministry, power and telecommunication lines in Puri district of Odisha are completely down and restoration work is on.

Rescuers belonging to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Navy, Coast Guard, Army and Air Force have been deployed in a mass operations, closely monitored by the central government.

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Moderate rainfall is expected at most places, heavy to very <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-telecommunication-networks-partially-disrupted-in-puri-bhubaneswar-215591">heavy rainfall </a>at a few places and extremely heavy rains at isolated places over coastal Odisha and adjoining districts of interior parts of the state on Friday.&nbsp;

Most places in Odisha is likely to receive light to moderate rains on Saturday with heavy to very heavy rainfall occurring at isolated places in Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts.

In Andhra Pradesh, light to moderate rainfall is likely at most places with heavy to very heavy rains at isolated places over Srikakulam district on Friday. Also light to moderate rainfall is likely in West Bengal on Friday, with heavy to very heavy showers at a few places and extremely heavy rains at isolated places.

Light to moderate rainfall is expected at most places and heavy rains at isolated places over sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim on Saturday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Three people have died as Cyclone Fani battered Odisha on Friday, news agency PTI reported quoting officials. India's Meteorological Department(IMD) in Hyderabad tracking cyclone Fani said winds have been blowing at a maximum speed of 240-245 km per hour with very heavy rains in Puri and is now likely moving towards West Bengal coast.

Three people have died as Cyclone Fani battered Odisha on Friday, news agency PTI reported quoting officials. India's Meteorological Department(IMD) in Hyderabad tracking cyclone Fani said winds have been blowing at a maximum speed of 240-245 km per hour with very heavy rains in Puri and is now likely moving towards West Bengal coast. "The eye of the storm is likely to be weakened when it enters West Bengal. The wind speed will be around 100 kmph to 110 kmph," an official of the meteorological department said. According to the National Emergency Response Centre, under the home ministry, power and telecommunication lines in Puri district of Odisha are completely down and restoration work is on. Rescuers belonging to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Navy, Coast Guard, Army and Air Force have been deployed in a mass operations, closely monitored by the central government. × Moderate rainfall is expected at most places, heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places and extremely heavy rains at isolated places over coastal Odisha and adjoining districts of interior parts of the state on Friday. Most places in Odisha is likely to receive light to moderate rains on Saturday with heavy to very heavy rainfall occurring at isolated places in Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts. In Andhra Pradesh, light to moderate rainfall is likely at most places with heavy to very heavy rains at isolated places over Srikakulam district on Friday. Also light to moderate rainfall is likely in West Bengal on Friday, with heavy to very heavy showers at a few places and extremely heavy rains at isolated places. Light to moderate rainfall is expected at most places and heavy rains at isolated places over sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim on Saturday. (With inputs from agencies)

Three dead as Cyclone Fani heads to West Bengal; heavy rainfall predicted in Odisha, AP, Bengal, Northeast

Three people have been killed as cyclone Fani made a landfall in Puri. Watch full video to know more.

3 dead as Cyclone Fani hits Odisha

In this video to WION, we brings to you latest from Odisha where to tackle Cyclone Fani, Two ships & two Chetak helicopters including Army, Navy, Airforce on stand-by. Watch full video to know more.

Cyclone Fani: Two ships & two Chetak helicopters including Army, Navy, Airforce on stand-by

In this video to WION, we brings to you latest from Odisha where according to the IMD department, Cyclone Fani has begun to weaken. Watch full video to know more.

IMD: Cyclone Fani has begun to weaken

India's Meteorological Department(IMD) in Hyderabad <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-landfall-cyclone-fani-has-moved-inland-into-odisha-imd-215570">tracking cyclone Fani</a> said winds have been blowing at a maximum speed of 240-245 km per hour with very heavy rains in Puri and is now likely moving towards West Bengal coast.

Two people were killed due to the cyclone, an official said.

One man died of a heart attack in one of several thousand shelters that have been set up, AFP reported.

"Another person went out in the storm despite our warnings and died because a tree fell on him," Odisha special relief commissioner Bishnupada Sethi said.

Indian Navy's P-8I and Dornier have been scheduled to be launched in the afternoon for undertaking aerial survey to assess the extent of impact and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-telecommunication-networks-partially-disrupted-in-puri-bhubaneswar-215591">devastation post-Fani</a>.

Heavy rainfall and strong winds hit Ganjam as cyclone Fani hit the Puri coast with wind speed of above 175km/per hour.

"In the next three hours, Cyclone Fani is expected to weaken with a wind speed of 150-160 km per hour, subsequently it will weaken and move north-northeastwards. By evening, it may weaken into severe cyclonic storm over extreme northern part of Odisha," Mrityunjay Mohapatra, IMD official in Delhi said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/first-pics-from-odisha-as-cyclone-fani-makes-landfall-215566#gusty-winds-215560">Also See:&nbsp;First pics from Odisha as Cyclone Fani makes landfall</a>

Meanwhile, Airports Authority of India said no flight to and from Kolkata airport will be allowed to fly from 3pm today till 8am on Saturday. In a series of tweets, Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu said Friday that all airlines must immediately respond to the concerns of passengers affected by Cyclone Fani.

"We are ready to offer help needed for the stranded due to cyclonic storm Fani. The control room, helplines are manned all times to assist affected passengers. All Airlines must immediately respond to the concerns of passengers," he tweeted.

In West Bengal, NDRF team have been deployed at Digha. The disaster relief team have evacuated 132 people, including 52 children, from Dattapur and Tajpur.

India's Meteorological Department(IMD) in Hyderabad tracking cyclone Fani said winds have been blowing at a maximum speed of 240-245 km per hour with very heavy rains in Puri and is now likely moving towards West Bengal coast.

India's Meteorological Department(IMD) in Hyderabad tracking cyclone Fani said winds have been blowing at a maximum speed of 240-245 km per hour with very heavy rains in Puri and is now likely moving towards West Bengal coast. Two people were killed due to the cyclone, an official said. One man died of a heart attack in one of several thousand shelters that have been set up, AFP reported. "Another person went out in the storm despite our warnings and died because a tree fell on him," Odisha special relief commissioner Bishnupada Sethi said. Indian Navy's P-8I and Dornier have been scheduled to be launched in the afternoon for undertaking aerial survey to assess the extent of impact and devastation post-Fani. Heavy rainfall and strong winds hit Ganjam as cyclone Fani hit the Puri coast with wind speed of above 175km/per hour. "In the next three hours, Cyclone Fani is expected to weaken with a wind speed of 150-160 km per hour, subsequently it will weaken and move north-northeastwards. By evening, it may weaken into severe cyclonic storm over extreme northern part of Odisha," Mrityunjay Mohapatra, IMD official in Delhi said. Also See: First pics from Odisha as Cyclone Fani makes landfall Meanwhile, Airports Authority of India said no flight to and from Kolkata airport will be allowed to fly from 3pm today till 8am on Saturday. In a series of tweets, Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu said Friday that all airlines must immediately respond to the concerns of passengers affected by Cyclone Fani. "We are ready to offer help needed for the stranded due to cyclonic storm Fani. The control room, helplines are manned all times to assist affected passengers. All Airlines must immediately respond to the concerns of passengers," he tweeted. In West Bengal, NDRF team have been deployed at Digha. The disaster relief team have evacuated 132 people, including 52 children, from Dattapur and Tajpur.

Cyclone Fani hits Puri with wind speeds of 240-245 kmph; 2 dead in Odisha

WION exclusively speaks to Josh Morgerman is an obsessive stormchaser and gain his insight on Cyclone Fani. Watch video to know more.

WION speaks to Josh Morgerman, an obsessive stormchaser

Cyclone Fani has hit Odisha this morning and has started making its impact felt. Large areas in the temple town of Puri and other places were submerged as heavy rain battered the coast. Watch full video to know more.

Cyclone Fani hits coast, Trees Uprooted, heavy rainfall in parts of Odisha

Indian authorities are using<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/defence-ministry-on-toes-to-face-repercussions-of-cyclone-fani-215218"> boats, buses and trains</a> to evacuate 800,000 people along its east coast on Thursday ahead of an approaching cyclone "Fani" that is forecast to make landfall within 24 hours, officials said.

Severe cyclonic storm "Fani" was centred in the west of the Bay of Bengal, the India Meteorological Office said. The south coast of Odisha was also expected to get heavy to very heavy rainfall on Thursday, it said in a bulletin.

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The state-run weather office also forecast wind speeds gusting up to 200 kph (125 mph) by Friday. Cyclone tracker Tropical Storm Risk rated Fani a mid-range category 3 storm.

About 800,000 people were expected to be evacuated from low-lying areas of 14 districts in Odisha to cyclone shelters, safer schools and college buildings, a government statement said.

"We are maximising efforts at all levels for evacuation for the time being," Odisha's Special Relief Commissioner Bishnupada Sethi told said.

Tourists have also been advised to leave coastal towns in West Bengal and Odisha, state government officials said.

Sea conditions were also likely to be very rough off the coast of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry, the weather office said.

Cyclones in India generally last from April to December, with severe storms often leading to the evacuation of tens of thousands of people, widespread deaths and damage to crops and property in both India and Bangladesh.

A super-cyclone battered the coast of Odisha for 30 hours, killing 10,000 people, two decades ago. A mass evacuation of nearly a million people in 2013 likely saved thousands of lives.

Indian authorities are using boats, buses and trains to evacuate 800,000 people along its east coast on Thursday ahead of an approaching cyclone "Fani" that is forecast to make landfall within 24 hours, officials said.

Indian authorities are using boats, buses and trains to evacuate 800,000 people along its east coast on Thursday ahead of an approaching cyclone "Fani" that is forecast to make landfall within 24 hours, officials said. Severe cyclonic storm "Fani" was centred in the west of the Bay of Bengal, the India Meteorological Office said. The south coast of Odisha was also expected to get heavy to very heavy rainfall on Thursday, it said in a bulletin. The state-run weather office also forecast wind speeds gusting up to 200 kph (125 mph) by Friday. Cyclone tracker Tropical Storm Risk rated Fani a mid-range category 3 storm. About 800,000 people were expected to be evacuated from low-lying areas of 14 districts in Odisha to cyclone shelters, safer schools and college buildings, a government statement said. "We are maximising efforts at all levels for evacuation for the time being," Odisha's Special Relief Commissioner Bishnupada Sethi told said. Tourists have also been advised to leave coastal towns in West Bengal and Odisha, state government officials said. Sea conditions were also likely to be very rough off the coast of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry, the weather office said. Cyclones in India generally last from April to December, with severe storms often leading to the evacuation of tens of thousands of people, widespread deaths and damage to crops and property in both India and Bangladesh. A super-cyclone battered the coast of Odisha for 30 hours, killing 10,000 people, two decades ago. A mass evacuation of nearly a million people in 2013 likely saved thousands of lives.

At least 800,000 people to be evacuated along east coast ahead of cyclone 'Fani': Odisha government

Cyclone Fani and why it is so powerful

Cyclone Fani is approaching the Odisha coast and has intensified into an extremely severe cyclonic storm. The state has been put on a "yellow alert" by the weather department. Watch full video to know more.

Cyclone 'Fani' inches closer to Odisha, 54 NDRF teams deployed

The India Meteorological Department informed on Thursday that Cyclone Fani is just 450 kilometers from Puri in Odisha. Watch the full video to know more.

Cyclone Fani just 450 kms from Odisha coast, yellow alert issued in coastal districts of Odisha

In cyclone prone east coast, Fani may outstrip cyclone Gaja and Titli

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As part of a revamp unveiled Tuesday Facebook aims to foster real-world relationships and make the platform a more intimate place for groups of friends.

Police arrest suspect in University of North Carolina shooting; 2 killed Police have arrested a suspect in a shooting that left two people dead and four others injured, three critically, on Tuesday at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Police arrest suspect in University of North Carolina shooting; 2 killed Police have arrested a suspect in a shooting that left two people dead and four others injured, three critically, on Tuesday at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi made latest video in 'remote area': Iraq PM Adel Abdul Mahdi Islamic State remains a potent threat around the world despite reduced capabilities, Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said on Tuesday, adding its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi had made his latest video appearance in a "remote area". Cyclone Fani: IMD issues 'yellow warning' in Odisha predicting heavy rainfall The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday issued a 'yellow warning' for Odisha coast predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places such as Boudh, Kalahandi, Sambalpur, Deogarh, and Sundargarh. Maduro appears with defence minister as Guaido calls to continue 'Operation Freedom' Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido called for a fresh round of protests on Wednesday against President Nicolas Maduro, after clashes broke out between security forces and anti-regime demonstrators. Got a crush on another Facebook user? The social network will help you connect As part of a revamp unveiled Tuesday Facebook aims to foster real-world relationships and make the platform a more intimate place for groups of friends.

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