Two days after Mamata Banerjee said she wanted to give him a "tight slap of democracy", Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his response while campaigning in Bengal.

IEW: BJP's mega push in West Bengal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took a jibe at West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamta Banerjee for saying she doesn't consider him as the country's prime minister.

Insult to India Constitution: PM Modi on Mamata Banerjee's 'do not consider him PM' remark

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

Use of money to buy votes has been intensified in India. Parties expected to spend $7 Bn in Elections 2019. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: Money decides India's Election?

BJP is aiming to make a mark in West Bengal. PM Modi to address 6 rallies in West Bengal. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: BJP bets big on West Bengal

The BJP is making its presence felt in this once Maoist hotbed despite a dominant presence of the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, which routed the Left Front promising 'poriborton' (change).

Several locals, who were among the thousands that joined a movement in 2008 to express their angst with the then CPI(M) government led by Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, say they sense another change in this part of West Bengal.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) flags dot 'haats' (local markets) and villages, and its signature blue can be seen on walls of several establishments, even schools and security outposts here.

But at Lalgarh's bustling tea stalls and markets, the discussion is about the challenge the TMC faces from the BJP in this erstwhile CPI(M) stronghold.

The BJP making inroads into Lalgarh and its surrounding areas has not gone unnoticed by the TMC chief, who completely overhauled the grassroot-level leadership before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in an attempt to earn the goodwill of the people.

"It came as a shock to us to see the BJP gain so much traction in the (Jhargram) district after the panchayat polls last year. It had not done any work in the area...We banked on the development that the TMC has brought in since 2011," Jyoti Prasad Mahato, a local TMC leader, said.

In Jhargram district, the TMC lost 28-gram panchayats out of 79.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Part of the Jhargram Lok Sabha constituency and district, it was in 2008 that this dusty corner of Bengal, around 170 km from Kolkata, became the hotbed for the ultras and later, a centre point of left-wing extremism, which after continuous crackdown by security forces met a natural death in 2011 --the year the TMC came to power.

"Schemes announced by the Centre haven't reached us and those announced by the state are only benefitting people who hobnob with the TMC. Why shouldn't we demand change, now that there is an alternative," said Sushma Mahato, as she rolled tendu leaves into bidis in front of her mud hut.

Echoing Sushma's view, a villager said,"When the TMC won the Jhargram seat we had no other party to protect our interests. Now, we do. We don't want them to feel that they are entitled to our votes. They have to deliver on their promises."&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2014, TMC's Uma Soren had wrested the Jhargram from Pulin Bihari Baske of the CPI(M), ending the Left party's 42-year domination in the constituency. This time the TMC has pitted Birbha Soren against CPI(M)'s Deblina Hembram and BJP's Kunar Hembram.&nbsp;

While Deblina is known for her fiery speeches, Kunar, his party people, say will win the polls as there is an anti-Mamata wave and people want change.&nbsp;

However, some changes cannot go unnoticed.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;Dirt and mud roads, which security forces treaded cautiously fearing buried IEDs, have now been paved with asphalt and infrastructure development in Binpur-1 block, under which Lalgarh falls, is on at full pace.

The Banerjee-led government has also delivered around 25,000 cycles under the Sabuj Sathi scheme, built about 30 healthcare centres and about 1,300 self-help groups have come up in block.

"The facelift that you see around here is&nbsp;just that an outer shell. What will we do with them if we don't have jobs and food to eat?&nbsp;asked Sushma.

It was Banerjee's promise of change that brought her to power in Lalgarh that yearned for things like jobs, food, water, electricity and connectivity.

But, two assembly and one Lok Sabha elections since Banerjee swept into power, another resident said there seems to be a "strong feeling of mistrust between the TMC and the people here".

"Nothing has reached us. People have been made civic volunteers, but only those connected with the ruling party have got benefits. The local TMC leaders are so corrupt that they take money from us to even deliver basic benefits," the resident said.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

People said they are more concerned about their basic needs, rather than the politics or the violence associated with it, as election day comes closer. Jhargram goes to polls on May 12.

This time, there is a straight contest between the BJP and the TMC, but the ruling party in Bengal is the dominant force, a member of a local group said.

The saffron party has worked quietly and made its mark here, he said.

Even TMC's Jyoti Prasad said, "BJP worked so silently, pumped in money that we didn't even realise what was happening."

Each police station in the area - Lalghar, Binpur, Belpahari and Goaltorh has more than 200 "civic volunteers".

"These men are not to help us, but to spy on us. Who we are speaking with, what are we telling them. Who is coming to campaign here, what are they promising us. It's like living under constant watch. They look out for everything even for Maoist resurgence,"&nbsp;said a villager, claiming that three civic volunteers are in his area.

Rani Mahato rued water comes here for an hour in the morning and in the evening, people have to wait for it.&nbsp;

"It depends on the whims and fancies of the man who releases the water. We are not unhappy with Didi (as Banerjee is popularly known), but her man here needs to be taught a lesson," she said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior BJP leaders have held several rallies Bengal, including in Jhargram, to counter the heavy presence of the ruling TMC.

The BJP is making its presence felt in this once Maoist hotbed despite a dominant presence of the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, which routed the Left Front promising 'poriborton' (change).

The BJP is making its presence felt in this once Maoist hotbed despite a dominant presence of the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, which routed the Left Front promising 'poriborton' (change). Several locals, who were among the thousands that joined a movement in 2008 to express their angst with the then CPI(M) government led by Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, say they sense another change in this part of West Bengal. Trinamool Congress (TMC) flags dot 'haats' (local markets) and villages, and its signature blue can be seen on walls of several establishments, even schools and security outposts here. But at Lalgarh's bustling tea stalls and markets, the discussion is about the challenge the TMC faces from the BJP in this erstwhile CPI(M) stronghold. The BJP making inroads into Lalgarh and its surrounding areas has not gone unnoticed by the TMC chief, who completely overhauled the grassroot-level leadership before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in an attempt to earn the goodwill of the people. "It came as a shock to us to see the BJP gain so much traction in the (Jhargram) district after the panchayat polls last year. It had not done any work in the area...We banked on the development that the TMC has brought in since 2011," Jyoti Prasad Mahato, a local TMC leader, said. In Jhargram district, the TMC lost 28-gram panchayats out of 79. Part of the Jhargram Lok Sabha constituency and district, it was in 2008 that this dusty corner of Bengal, around 170 km from Kolkata, became the hotbed for the ultras and later, a centre point of left-wing extremism, which after continuous crackdown by security forces met a natural death in 2011 --the year the TMC came to power. "Schemes announced by the Centre haven't reached us and those announced by the state are only benefitting people who hobnob with the TMC. Why shouldn't we demand change, now that there is an alternative," said Sushma Mahato, as she rolled tendu leaves into bidis in front of her mud hut. Echoing Sushma's view, a villager said,"When the TMC won the Jhargram seat we had no other party to protect our interests. Now, we do. We don't want them to feel that they are entitled to our votes. They have to deliver on their promises." In 2014, TMC's Uma Soren had wrested the Jhargram from Pulin Bihari Baske of the CPI(M), ending the Left party's 42-year domination in the constituency. This time the TMC has pitted Birbha Soren against CPI(M)'s Deblina Hembram and BJP's Kunar Hembram. While Deblina is known for her fiery speeches, Kunar, his party people, say will win the polls as there is an anti-Mamata wave and people want change. However, some changes cannot go unnoticed. Dirt and mud roads, which security forces treaded cautiously fearing buried IEDs, have now been paved with asphalt and infrastructure development in Binpur-1 block, under which Lalgarh falls, is on at full pace. The Banerjee-led government has also delivered around 25,000 cycles under the Sabuj Sathi scheme, built about 30 healthcare centres and about 1,300 self-help groups have come up in block. "The facelift that you see around here is just that an outer shell. What will we do with them if we don't have jobs and food to eat? asked Sushma. It was Banerjee's promise of change that brought her to power in Lalgarh that yearned for things like jobs, food, water, electricity and connectivity. But, two assembly and one Lok Sabha elections since Banerjee swept into power, another resident said there seems to be a "strong feeling of mistrust between the TMC and the people here". "Nothing has reached us. People have been made civic volunteers, but only those connected with the ruling party have got benefits. The local TMC leaders are so corrupt that they take money from us to even deliver basic benefits," the resident said. People said they are more concerned about their basic needs, rather than the politics or the violence associated with it, as election day comes closer. Jhargram goes to polls on May 12. This time, there is a straight contest between the BJP and the TMC, but the ruling party in Bengal is the dominant force, a member of a local group said. The saffron party has worked quietly and made its mark here, he said. Even TMC's Jyoti Prasad said, "BJP worked so silently, pumped in money that we didn't even realise what was happening." Each police station in the area - Lalghar, Binpur, Belpahari and Goaltorh has more than 200 "civic volunteers". "These men are not to help us, but to spy on us. Who we are speaking with, what are we telling them. Who is coming to campaign here, what are they promising us. It's like living under constant watch. They look out for everything even for Maoist resurgence," said a villager, claiming that three civic volunteers are in his area. Rani Mahato rued water comes here for an hour in the morning and in the evening, people have to wait for it. "It depends on the whims and fancies of the man who releases the water. We are not unhappy with Didi (as Banerjee is popularly known), but her man here needs to be taught a lesson," she said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior BJP leaders have held several rallies Bengal, including in Jhargram, to counter the heavy presence of the ruling TMC.

Lalgarh: In this former Maoist hotbed, TMC's new challenge is BJP

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

During addressing a election rally in West Bengal, Amit Shah attacks Mamata Banerjee over 'Jai Shri Ram' chant. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: Amit Shah attacks Mamata Banerjee over 'Jai Shri Ram' chant

Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitaraman calls 'Mamata Banerjee'- A threat to Democracy. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: Nirmala Sitaraman calls 'Mamata Banerjee'- A threat to Democracy

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

BJP president Amit Shah Tuesday alleged that West Bengal <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=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&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjwuvfrs4niAhUR148KHdBmDIEQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw12ROzDIs4EIgRlnxFChs_6">Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee</a> is not allowing people to chant 'Jai Shri Ram' in the state, and wondered if the Lord's name cannot be taken in India, will it be uttered in Pakistan.

Speaking at an election rally here, he said that polls in<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/alert-in-west-bengal-as-cyclone-fani-advances-215108&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjOoq3-s4niAhWA8HMBHRtJBHoQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1q2Vsp51QCBF_GpHmOugm4"> West Bengal</a> are for restoring democracy in the state, where the BJP will win "more than 23 seats" out of the total 42 Lok Sabha seats.

"Lord Ram is a part of the culture of India... Can anybody stop people from taking his name? I want to ask Mamata didi, if Shri Ram's name is not taken in India, will it be chanted in Pakistan?" Shah said.

A video had appeared in the social media that showed Banerjee stopping her car at a place in West Midnapore district on Saturday, and chasing some persons who chanted 'Jai Shri Ram' as her carcade was crossing the area.

"The Narendra Modi government has given Rs 4,24,800 crore to West Bengal in its five-year tenure, but it has not reached the people, and, instead, gone to the syndicates," Shah claimed.

He said the UPA-II government under the then prime minister Manmohan Singh had granted only around Rs 1,32,000 crore to the state. At another election meeting at Keshiari in Paschim Medinipur district, Shah said, "What wrong has PM Narendra Modi done by saying that the Bofors scam happened during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure."

The BJP president was referring to Modi's recent remarks at a rally in Uttar Pradesh, where he said that Rajiv Gandhi's life ended as "bhrashtachari no. 1" (corrupt no. 1 ). 
"Rahul baba says his father has been insulted. Is it an insult to be reminded of what had happened?" he said.

Shah also asked Rahul Gandhi whether or not the Bofors scandal, the Bhopal gas tragedy, the blunder of sending a peacekeeping force to Sri Lanka or the massacre of Kashmiri pandits happen during his father's tenure as prime minister from 1984 to 1989.

He claimed that the Congress and its partners in the 'Mahagathbandhan' have abused Modi on "51 different occasions". The BJP chief reiterated his party's resolve to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in West Bengal to flush out illegal migrants from Bangladesh.

BJP president Amit Shah Tuesday alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not allowing people to chant 'Jai Shri Ram' in the state, and wondered if the Lord's name cannot be taken in India, will it be uttered in Pakistan.

BJP president Amit Shah Tuesday alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not allowing people to chant 'Jai Shri Ram' in the state, and wondered if the Lord's name cannot be taken in India, will it be uttered in Pakistan. Speaking at an election rally here, he said that polls in West Bengal are for restoring democracy in the state, where the BJP will win "more than 23 seats" out of the total 42 Lok Sabha seats. "Lord Ram is a part of the culture of India... Can anybody stop people from taking his name? I want to ask Mamata didi, if Shri Ram's name is not taken in India, will it be chanted in Pakistan?" Shah said. A video had appeared in the social media that showed Banerjee stopping her car at a place in West Midnapore district on Saturday, and chasing some persons who chanted 'Jai Shri Ram' as her carcade was crossing the area. "The Narendra Modi government has given Rs 4,24,800 crore to West Bengal in its five-year tenure, but it has not reached the people, and, instead, gone to the syndicates," Shah claimed. He said the UPA-II government under the then prime minister Manmohan Singh had granted only around Rs 1,32,000 crore to the state. At another election meeting at Keshiari in Paschim Medinipur district, Shah said, "What wrong has PM Narendra Modi done by saying that the Bofors scam happened during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure." The BJP president was referring to Modi's recent remarks at a rally in Uttar Pradesh, where he said that Rajiv Gandhi's life ended as "bhrashtachari no. 1" (corrupt no. 1 ). "Rahul baba says his father has been insulted. Is it an insult to be reminded of what had happened?" he said. Shah also asked Rahul Gandhi whether or not the Bofors scandal, the Bhopal gas tragedy, the blunder of sending a peacekeeping force to Sri Lanka or the massacre of Kashmiri pandits happen during his father's tenure as prime minister from 1984 to 1989. He claimed that the Congress and its partners in the 'Mahagathbandhan' have abused Modi on "51 different occasions". The BJP chief reiterated his party's resolve to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in West Bengal to flush out illegal migrants from Bangladesh.

Will Lord Ram's name be taken in Pakistan, if not in India: Amit Shah

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/cyclone-fani-naidu-requests-election-commission-to-relax-model-code-of-conduct-in-4-coastal-districts-215134&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj5lceqq4niAhXMuY8KHa3jDesQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2GhSHkLR5AvkCjjrLUVDdZ"> N Chandrababu Naidu</a> will participate in poll rallies of his West Bengal counterpart, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee in the state.

According to a highly-placed source in the Andhra Pradesh government, Naidu will arrive here Wednesday morning and participate in two campaign rallies of Banerjee one scheduled at Jhargram and the second at Haldia.

After spending Wednesday night at Haldia, Naidu, who is also the Telegu Desam Party president, will speak at another campaign rally at Kharagpur the next day, the official told PTI.

After the meeting in Kharagpur, both the chief ministers will head towards Kolkata where they are likely to have a close door meeting on Thursday evening, he said adding Naidu is scheduled to leave that night itself, the source said.

Naidu shares a very cordial relationship with Banerjee. He had joined the Trinamool Congress' mega opposition rally here in January and visited Banerjee during her dharna in February against CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams.

Banerjee had also participated in a political rally organised by Naidu in Vizag.&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will participate in poll rallies of his West Bengal counterpart, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee in the state. According to a highly-placed source in the Andhra Pradesh government, Naidu will arrive here Wednesday morning and participate in two campaign rallies of Banerjee one scheduled at Jhargram and the second at Haldia.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will participate in poll rallies of his West Bengal counterpart, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee in the state. According to a highly-placed source in the Andhra Pradesh government, Naidu will arrive here Wednesday morning and participate in two campaign rallies of Banerjee one scheduled at Jhargram and the second at Haldia. After spending Wednesday night at Haldia, Naidu, who is also the Telegu Desam Party president, will speak at another campaign rally at Kharagpur the next day, the official told PTI. After the meeting in Kharagpur, both the chief ministers will head towards Kolkata where they are likely to have a close door meeting on Thursday evening, he said adding Naidu is scheduled to leave that night itself, the source said. Naidu shares a very cordial relationship with Banerjee. He had joined the Trinamool Congress' mega opposition rally here in January and visited Banerjee during her dharna in February against CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams. Banerjee had also participated in a political rally organised by Naidu in Vizag.

Chandrababu Naidu to participate in Mamata Banerjee's poll rallies

The state government of West Bengal has refused to hold a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/pm-modi-reviews-situation-in-cyclone-hit-odisha-lauds-state-government-says-another-rs-1000-crore-to-be-released-216313">review meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Cyclone Fani</a>.

Prime Minister Modi, who flew down to Bhubaneswar on Monday to visit the areas hit by Fani and take stock of the situation, wanted to do the same for West Bengal.

The Centre had written to the Mamata Banerjee-led administration about a review meeting of the prime minister with the state government officials today.

However, the West Bengal government replied that since the government officials are busy with election duty, hence the review meeting should not be held.

"For the purpose of supervision of elections arrangement, the Chief Secretary, West Bengal and State Home Secretary will have to be stationed in the headquarters from morning till the end of elections on 06.05.2019. Hence it will not be possible for Chief Secretary, West Bengal, Home Secretary and other senior officers of the Government of West Bengal to be away from headquarters on 06.05.2019," the letter to the Union Home Ministry from the West Bengal's Department of Disaster Management and Civil Defence stated.

In Odisha, Prime Minister Modi was received by Governor Ganeshi Lal and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the airport in the morning.

The Centre had earlier released Rs 1,000 crore to Odisha and other states, including West Bengal, to deal with the devastation caused by Cyclone Fani.

The prime minister wanted to take stock of the situation in West Bengal as well, but the state government declined.

"It is, therefore, proposed in view of the date coinciding with elections the meeting may be deferred," the letter from the West Bengal government added.

Government sources on Sunday revealed that the PMO had made attempts to connect Prime Minister Narendra Modi to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee twice over telephone post the Cyclone Fani but failed.

Reacting to reports in a section of media that TMC has expressed its displeasure over PM Modi speaking only to West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi to inquire about the situation in the aftermath of the cyclone, the sources in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said that the claim is incorrect.

According to TMC, the Prime Minister had talked to Governor Tripathi and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik but "did not call up" Banerjee.

The PMO sources said that two attempts were made by the PM's staff to connect the Prime Minister to Banerjee over the telephone.

"The claim made by TMC is incorrect. Two attempts were made on Saturday morning from the Prime Minister's staff to connect the Prime Minister to the West Bengal Chief Minister on phone," the sources had told ANI.

They said that on both occasions, PMO staff was told by Banerjee's office that the Chief Minister was on tour and the calls would be returned once she was back.

Cyclone Fani on Friday lashed Odisha and parts of West Bengal, triggering heavy rainfall accompanied by wind touching the speed of 200 kmph, and left three persons dead besides over 160 injured, a trail of destruction that included damaged houses, uprooted trees and electricity poles.

The state government of West Bengal has refused to hold a review meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Cyclone Fani. Prime Minister Modi, who flew down to Bhubaneswar on Monday to visit the areas hit by Fani and take stock of the situation, wanted to do the same for West Bengal.

The state government of West Bengal has refused to hold a review meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Cyclone Fani. Prime Minister Modi, who flew down to Bhubaneswar on Monday to visit the areas hit by Fani and take stock of the situation, wanted to do the same for West Bengal. The Centre had written to the Mamata Banerjee-led administration about a review meeting of the prime minister with the state government officials today. However, the West Bengal government replied that since the government officials are busy with election duty, hence the review meeting should not be held. "For the purpose of supervision of elections arrangement, the Chief Secretary, West Bengal and State Home Secretary will have to be stationed in the headquarters from morning till the end of elections on 06.05.2019. Hence it will not be possible for Chief Secretary, West Bengal, Home Secretary and other senior officers of the Government of West Bengal to be away from headquarters on 06.05.2019," the letter to the Union Home Ministry from the West Bengal's Department of Disaster Management and Civil Defence stated. In Odisha, Prime Minister Modi was received by Governor Ganeshi Lal and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the airport in the morning. The Centre had earlier released Rs 1,000 crore to Odisha and other states, including West Bengal, to deal with the devastation caused by Cyclone Fani. The prime minister wanted to take stock of the situation in West Bengal as well, but the state government declined. "It is, therefore, proposed in view of the date coinciding with elections the meeting may be deferred," the letter from the West Bengal government added. Government sources on Sunday revealed that the PMO had made attempts to connect Prime Minister Narendra Modi to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee twice over telephone post the Cyclone Fani but failed. Reacting to reports in a section of media that TMC has expressed its displeasure over PM Modi speaking only to West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi to inquire about the situation in the aftermath of the cyclone, the sources in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said that the claim is incorrect. According to TMC, the Prime Minister had talked to Governor Tripathi and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik but "did not call up" Banerjee. The PMO sources said that two attempts were made by the PM's staff to connect the Prime Minister to Banerjee over the telephone. "The claim made by TMC is incorrect. Two attempts were made on Saturday morning from the Prime Minister's staff to connect the Prime Minister to the West Bengal Chief Minister on phone," the sources had told ANI. They said that on both occasions, PMO staff was told by Banerjee's office that the Chief Minister was on tour and the calls would be returned once she was back. Cyclone Fani on Friday lashed Odisha and parts of West Bengal, triggering heavy rainfall accompanied by wind touching the speed of 200 kmph, and left three persons dead besides over 160 injured, a trail of destruction that included damaged houses, uprooted trees and electricity poles.

West Bengal refuses to hold review meeting for 'Fani' with PM Modi

Bharatiya Janata Party candidate from Barrackpore Arjun Singh on Monday claimed he sustained injuries after an attack by supporters of Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress near a village in Barrackpore.

"I was attacked by TMC goons while I was trying to talk with voters. It was a planned attack and I will report the matter to the Election Commission. TMC's hooligans are running unchecked in the state, my bleeding mouth is a proof of it," Singh said.

Slamming the ruling TMC, Singh said he was attacked by the party's goons who have been brought from outside.

"Those people were scaring away our voters. I am injured," he said.

Meanwhile, voters in booth number 148 of Hajipur constituency in Bihar had to face problems as the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) developed problems leading to delay in the start of the voting process.

The voters complained they had to stand for more than an hour due to the EVMs developing problems.

Raj Narayan Mahto, presiding officer of booth number 148, however, said that the EVM had developed some glitches which were resolved in an hour and the voting process could begin soon.

"There was some problem with the EVM which we tried to solve but it took longer than usual. The machines do not need to be changed as the problems have now been sorted, voting will resume in a few minutes," said Mahto.

A voting glitch was also reported from booths in West Bengal's Howrah, reportedly after glitches in EVMs and VVPATs.

Voting in West Bengal is being held for seven out of the 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state.

Hooghly, Sreerampore, Arambagh, Howrah Uluberia, Barrackpore and Bongaoan are voting in the fifth phase.

These constituencies are spread across three districts of south Bengal - Hooghly, Howrah and North 24 Parganas.

Polling has already been held in 18 seats of the state in the past four phases.

In Bihar, voting is being held in five Lok Sabha seats - Hajipur, Saran, Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi and Madhubani.

Bharatiya Janata Party candidate from Barrackpore Arjun Singh on Monday claimed he sustained injuries after an attack by supporters of Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress near a village in Barrackpore.

Bharatiya Janata Party candidate from Barrackpore Arjun Singh on Monday claimed he sustained injuries after an attack by supporters of Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress near a village in Barrackpore. "I was attacked by TMC goons while I was trying to talk with voters. It was a planned attack and I will report the matter to the Election Commission. TMC's hooligans are running unchecked in the state, my bleeding mouth is a proof of it," Singh said. Slamming the ruling TMC, Singh said he was attacked by the party's goons who have been brought from outside. "Those people were scaring away our voters. I am injured," he said. Meanwhile, voters in booth number 148 of Hajipur constituency in Bihar had to face problems as the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) developed problems leading to delay in the start of the voting process. The voters complained they had to stand for more than an hour due to the EVMs developing problems. Raj Narayan Mahto, presiding officer of booth number 148, however, said that the EVM had developed some glitches which were resolved in an hour and the voting process could begin soon. "There was some problem with the EVM which we tried to solve but it took longer than usual. The machines do not need to be changed as the problems have now been sorted, voting will resume in a few minutes," said Mahto. A voting glitch was also reported from booths in West Bengal's Howrah, reportedly after glitches in EVMs and VVPATs. Voting in West Bengal is being held for seven out of the 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state. Hooghly, Sreerampore, Arambagh, Howrah Uluberia, Barrackpore and Bongaoan are voting in the fifth phase. These constituencies are spread across three districts of south Bengal - Hooghly, Howrah and North 24 Parganas. Polling has already been held in 18 seats of the state in the past four phases. In Bihar, voting is being held in five Lok Sabha seats - Hajipur, Saran, Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi and Madhubani.

I was attacked by Trinamool Congress goons: BJP candidate Arjun Singh in West Bengal's Barrackpore

In Phase 5 of Lok Sabha Election 2019 voting held at 51 seats of 7 states. Now 118 seats are up for grab in the last two phases. Sporadic incidents of violence also reported at West Bengal in Phase 5. Voting for 424 constituencies is over so far.

India Election Watch: Complete highlights of Phase 5 of Lok Sabha Election 2019

Violence is on it's peak in each & every phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2019 in West Bengal. Another incidents reported in Hooghly & Barrackpore.

West Bengal: Scuffle held between BJP-TMC, BJP leader beaten up in Hooghly

While polling has been peaceful across most of the over 96,000 booths today so far, violence returned to West Bengal with allegations of disturbing law and order by both TMC and BJP. There were two incidents of grenades being lobbed outside polling booths in J&K as well.

West Bengal: Media personnel attacked in Barrackpore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not taking his phone calls.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister accused Trinamool Congress chief of playing politics over cyclone Fani.&nbsp;

"I tried getting in touch with Didi but her arrogance is such that she refused to talk to me, I tried again but she did not get in touch," PM Modi said during a rally in West Bengal.

"Didi is so frustrated these days that she doesn't even want to talk or hear about God. The situation is such that Didi is arresting and jailing those who are chanting 'Jai Sri Ram'," said the PM while addressing a rally in Tamluk, West Bengal.

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PM Modi in Tamluk,West Bengal: Speedbreaker didi has tried to play politics even on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cycloneFani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cycloneFani</a>. I tried to get in touch with Mamata didi but her arrogance is such that she refused to talk to me, I tried again but she did not get in touch <a href="https://t.co/g0FudSKqIo">pic.twitter.com/g0FudSKqIo</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1125302184327778304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in the day, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/pm-modi-reviews-situation-in-cyclone-hit-odisha-lauds-state-government-says-another-rs-1000-crore-to-be-released-216313">PM Modi conducted an aerial survey of cyclone-ravaged areas in Odisha</a> and took part in a review meeting with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and other officials.&nbsp;

Later in the day, it was reported that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-refuses-to-hold-review-meeting-for-fani-with-pm-modi-216323">the Banerjee administration refused a review meeting with PM Modi over cyclone Fani</a> citing officials' unavailability due to ongoing elections.&nbsp;

On Sunday, reports surfaced that the <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">prime minister's calls went unanswered by Banerjee</a>.&nbsp;

"Two attempts were made by the prime minister's staff to connect Modi with Banerjee over the phone. On both the occasions they were told that the call would be returned. On one occasion they were told that the CM is on tour," an official said on Sunday.

Trinamool Congress had hit out at PM Modi for not talking to Banerjee about the ground situation in the state in wake of the cyclone.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not taking his phone calls. The Prime Minister accused Trinamool Congress chief of playing politics over cyclone Fani.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not taking his phone calls. The Prime Minister accused Trinamool Congress chief of playing politics over cyclone Fani. "I tried getting in touch with Didi but her arrogance is such that she refused to talk to me, I tried again but she did not get in touch," PM Modi said during a rally in West Bengal. "Didi is so frustrated these days that she doesn't even want to talk or hear about God. The situation is such that Didi is arresting and jailing those who are chanting 'Jai Sri Ram'," said the PM while addressing a rally in Tamluk, West Bengal. PM Modi in Tamluk,West Bengal: Speedbreaker didi has tried to play politics even on #cycloneFani. I tried to get in touch with Mamata didi but her arrogance is such that she refused to talk to me, I tried again but she did not get in touch pic.twitter.com/g0FudSKqIo — ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2019 × Earlier in the day, PM Modi conducted an aerial survey of cyclone-ravaged areas in Odisha and took part in a review meeting with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and other officials. Later in the day, it was reported that the Banerjee administration refused a review meeting with PM Modi over cyclone Fani citing officials' unavailability due to ongoing elections. On Sunday, reports surfaced that the prime minister's calls went unanswered by Banerjee. "Two attempts were made by the prime minister's staff to connect Modi with Banerjee over the phone. On both the occasions they were told that the call would be returned. On one occasion they were told that the CM is on tour," an official said on Sunday. Trinamool Congress had hit out at PM Modi for not talking to Banerjee about the ground situation in the state in wake of the cyclone.

Didi is playing politics over cyclone Fani, she refuses to take my calls: PM Modi in West Bengal 

Watch this segment for top election news story updates.

Lok Sabha elections 2019: Latest polling news

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

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

Air India on Saturday announces the recommencement of operation from 9.45 am at Kolkata Airport.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered the cancellation of all flights to and from Bhubaneswar and Kolkata airports due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-makes-landfall-in-west-bengal-215767">cyclone Fani</a> on Thursday.

The National carrier also stepped forward to help residents of Odisha affected by the cyclone Fani and has decided to ship free of cost relief material to cyclone-affected areas by any NGO/ Civil society/ Self Help Group etc.

After wreaking havoc at the 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;

Air India on Saturday announces the recommencement of operation from 9.45 am at Kolkata Airport. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered the cancellation of all flights to and from Bhubaneswar and Kolkata airports due to cyclone Fani on Thursday.

Air India on Saturday announces the recommencement of operation from 9.45 am at Kolkata Airport. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered the cancellation of all flights to and from Bhubaneswar and Kolkata airports due to cyclone Fani on Thursday. The National carrier also stepped forward to help residents of Odisha affected by the cyclone Fani and has decided to ship free of cost relief material to cyclone-affected areas by any NGO/ Civil society/ Self Help Group etc. After wreaking havoc at the 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: Air India resumes operation at Kolkata Airport

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.

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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

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

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