After Odisha, cyclone Fani hits West Bengal

The cyclone is currently moving to the North-East direction.

Huge damage has been caused in four distrcts of Odisha by the cyclonic storm 'Fani', which hit the eastern coastline on Friday, a report by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

According to the IMD report, the cyclonic storm has caused huge damages in these districts. In Puri district it has caused extensive damages to all many houses.

Structures of temporary street vendors have been completely damaged.

160 people have been injured and admitted to hospital for treatment. Special Circuit House Puri, Office and Residence of SP and Collector have been badly damaged like many other buildings.

The report said huge numbers of trees have been uprooted resulting in disruption of road communication. Khordha and Bhubaneswar city have been severely affected. In Bhubaneswar, three persons have been injured and hospitalized.

Power supply snapped due to uprooting of electricity poles, damage to substations and KV lines.

'"Extensive damage has been occurred to transmission lines and other electrical infrastructures. Telecom towers have been affected resulting in cellular and telephone network down in wide area. All telephone and cell phones are down in Puri district. Telephone and mobile connectivity has also been severely affected in Khordha including Bhubaneswar city. Summer crops, orchards, plantations devastated in a large scale," the report said.

Considering the serious disruption of electricity supply, road communication, telephone and mobile connectivity, additional support has been rushed for immediate restoration.

As ascertained from the Bhubaneswar’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Director, there is no major damage to the infrastructure of the newly-built AIIMS.

"Some damage has occurred to semi pucca installations like sheds and AC outer units. Electricity has been snapped and telephone lines are down. However, the hospital is working on generator. There is no report of any injury to patients, attendants, doctors or other staff. Work for restoration of power supply, telecom network will be carried out on priority," the report sent to the Home Ministry said.

The state government is collecting further information from other districts that have been badly affected by the severe cyclone.

'Fani'crossed Odisha coast close to Puri between 0800 and 1000 hrs with maximum wind speed of around 175 KMPH.

Thereafter, the system moved to khordha district with high wind and heavy rainfall in the district including Bhubaneswar before moving northwards to Cuttack. Khordha including Bhubnaeswar, Cuttack and Puri districts were severely affected.