NEW DELHI – Over 100 million people in three eastern and northeastern coastal states of India are being evacuated as the threat of an ‘extremely severe’ cyclone is expected to make landfall on May 3rd.Cyclone Fani has been strengthening over the Bay of Bengal and is expected to contain windspeeds in excess of 132 mph before the storm makes landfall. Cities along the eastern coast could experience destructive winds, storm surge, and widespread flooding.
Kolkata is expecting torrential rain and damaging winds, although it does not appear that the city will experience a direct hit. Up to 20 inches of rain is possible in the most vulnerable Eastern Indian states.
Schools at all grade levels in Odisha will be closed beginning May 2.
Tourists have been advised to leave the coastal areas immediately. Residents living in mud and thatch homes are being moved to 879 cyclone shelters.
The Indian Southern Army Command and the Indian Navy are moving troops, medical and rescue teams, and relief supplies into staging areas from which they will be ready for immediate deployment to disaster areas. All military leaves have been canceled.
NDTV is posting live updates on its website. The latest updates report that:
- Port operations in Paradip will be suspended immediately. All vessels have been ordered to leave the port.
- The East Coast Railway has canceled 74 trains “keeping in mind the safety and security of passengers.”
- All doctors and medical personnel in Odisha must report to work immediately.
- The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 41 teams into the most vulnerable areas. Another 23 teams have been positioned in West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh.
- The Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh has been placed under a red alert, signifying imminent danger.
The National Disaster Management Authority has said that:
“Sea condition is phenomenal over west-central Bay of Bengal neighborhood and phenomenal sea conditions over SW Bay & adjoining west central BOB and along & off north Tamilnadu Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh coasts. Fishermen are advised not to venture into these areas.”
We urge Missions Box News readers to pray for the people in the path of Cyclone Fani and those who will be participating in relief and recovery operations. Continue to pray for them all “‘til the Storm Passes By.”
To read more news on India on Missions Box, go here.
Sources:
- NDTV, Cyclone Fani LIVE Updates: Cyclone Strengthens, Odisha On “Yellow Alert”
- AccuWeather, More than 100 million in the path of life-threatening Cyclone Fani
- LatestLY, Cyclone Fani Threat in Odisha: Indian Navy Ships on Standby to Ensure Speedy Relief on East Coast
- Reuters, India launches mass evacuation, warns tourists, as cyclone bears down on east coast
