Cyclone Amphan: Army Sends Troops to WB for Restoration Work
Catch all the live updates on cyclone Amphan here
The Mamata Banerjee government on Saturday, 23 May asked for army support for restoration work after Cyclone Amphan ravaged the state. Following the request, Army sent troops to the state according to ANI.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, 22 May, allocated Rs 500 crore for Odisha in the wake of Cyclone Amphan. Earlier in the day, he announced Rs 1,000 crore for immediate assistance to West Bengal, where the deadly storm has claimed at least 86 lives.
The PM conducted an aerial survey of the affected areas in both West Bengal and Odisha on Friday, accompanied by chief ministers Mamata Banerjee and Naveen Patnaik in their respective states.
Battered by the impact of the cyclone, West Bengal has written to the Railways asking them to not send 'shramik' special trains to the state till 26 May in view of the cyclone.
“Under the leadership of CM Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal is doing its bit in fighting the crisis caused by Cyclone Amphan,” PM Modi was quoted by PTI as saying in Basirhat
CM Mamata Banerjee on Friday said that Cyclone Amphan should be treated as a national disaster
In an Opposition meet convened by Sonia Gandhi, 22 parties, in a resolution, demanded that the Centre declare Cyclone Amphan a national calamity
The cyclone left behind a trail of destruction in Kolkata, Hooghly, North and South 24 Parganas districts
Many trees lay uprooted and infrastructure damaged in Kolkata, with the airport in the state capital also getting flooded
Amphan Has Affected 44.45 Lakh People: Odisha Govt
Odisha government on Saturday says, "Cyclone Amphan has affected over 44.45 lakh people in 9833 villages and 22 urban bodies."
"Due to the impact of Cyclone Amphan, about 500 houses have been fully damaged and 15,000 houses got partially damaged. 28 large animals, 9 small animal and 3680 poultry birds perished," ANI quotes Odisha government.
Army Sends Troops After WB's Request
Army has been deployed in cyclone-ravaged Kolkata and neighbouring districts for restoration work, PTI cites Defence sources.
WB Governor Hits Out at Kolkata Municipal Corporation
West Bengal Governor Jagdeep DhankharI says, "I couldn't have any discussion with the state govt. It's unfortunate. I had extensive discussions with Indian Coast Guard & BSF, they did a great job. I spoke to Army, they were ready for relief work. What did Kolkata Municipal Corporation do?"
He adds, "Why could they not anticipate? Most of the deaths were caused due to uprooting of trees. Why was there no contingency plan? Why were arrangements not done beforehand", PTI reports.
WB Govt Calls for Army Support, Says NDRF, SDRF Teams Deployed
Government of West Bengal mobilizes maximum strength in unified command mode on 24×7 basis for immediate restoration of essential infrastructure and services asap. Army support has been called for; NDRF and SDRF teams deployed,” said West Bengal Home Department.
10 More NDRF Teams Deployed in WB for Post-Cyclone Management: MHA
10 additional NDRF teams deployed in West Bengal for post cyclone Amphan management, MHA stated.
Additional deployment of 10 teams will bring the total deployment to 36 teams of NDRF, across the 6 districts of WB affected by the Cyclone.
Make Phone Calls only When Necessary: NDMA Shares Post-Cyclone Tips
Spoken to CESC to Restore Electricity, Request People to Be Patient: Mamata
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, “We are doing whatever possible to restore electricity. Cyclone Amphan was a disaster. It is not the right time to do politics. We have spoken to Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC) for restoration. I would like to request people to have patience.”
Death Toll in Bengal Rises to 86
The death toll due to the Amphan Cyclone in West Bengal has risen to 86, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Saturday.
Don't Send Special 'Shramik' Special Trains Till 26 May: WB to Railways
Battered by the impact of Cyclone Amphan, West Bengal has written to the Railways asking them to not send 'shramik' special trains to the state till 26 May in view of the cyclone, PTI reported.
A letter written by the chief secretary of the state to the Railway Board chairperson said, "As district administrations are involved with relief and rehabilitation works, it will not be possible to receive special trains for the next few days. It is therefore requested that no train should be sent to West Bengal till 26 May."
EU Announces Initial Funding of 5,00,000 Euros for India
The European Union has announced an initial funding of 5,00,000 euros for people affected by Cyclone Amphan in India, PTI reported on Friday.
"The EU will address immediate needs of people affected by the cyclone, as well as protect humanitarian aid and health workers from their exposure to the epidemic," EU Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarcic, was quoted as saying in a statement.
'Opposition Demands Amphan to Be Declared National Calamity'
An Opposition meeting convened by the Congress chief Sonia Gandhi on Friday was attended by 22 parties. All the parties in a resolution extended support to the government and people of West Bengal and Odisha in the aftermath of cyclone.
"Urge the Central government to immediately declare the cyclone as a national calamity," read the resolution, IANS reports.
Indian Air Force on Relief Operation
Indian Air Force today said, "IAF has readied 25 aircraft, 31 helicopters for relief operations in areas affected by Cyclone Amphan", PTI reports.
'Cyclone Compensation Should Be Credited Directly': BJP WB Unit Chief
BJP's West Bengal Unit Chief Dilip Ghosh says, "Compensation to be provided to people affected by Cyclone Amphan should be credited directly to their accounts as there are chances of irregularities."
'PM Said Odisha Has Made a Good Name for Itself'
Chief Secretary of Odisha Asit Kumar Tripathy was quoted by ANI saying, "The road forward for us is to strengthen our infrastructure (like power and housing) and make it cyclone resilient. PM Modi said Odisha has made a good name for itself in rescue, relief and restoration measures."
PM Conducted Aerial Survey in Odisha
Before the review meeting with Odisha state officials on Friday, PM conducted an aerial survey to take stock of the situation.
PM Announces Rs 500 Crore Assistance for Odisha
PM Modi during his visit to Odisha on Friday says, "Rs. 500 crore will be given to Odisha as advance assistance."
Earlier, he did an aerial survey of the state. Following which, he held a review meeting with state CM and state officials.
PM Modi in Odisha, Holds Review Meeting
Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a review meeting with senior officials and minister of the state in Bhubaneswar after his aerial survey of the areas affected due to Cyclone Amphan, reports ANI.
CM Naveen Patnaik, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Pratap Sarangi are also present in the meeting.
'Must All Work Together': Mamata Banerjee on Cyclone Amphan
After conducting an aerial survey with PM Modi on Friday, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee was quoted by PTI as saying, “In this hour of crisis, we all must work together. I have told PM Modi in detail about the post-cyclone situation in Bengal.”
PM Modi Announces Rs 1,000 Cr Advance Interim Assistance for West Bengal
Speaking after conducting an aerial survey with West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, PM Narendra Modi announced an advance interim assistance of Rs 1,000 crore for the state. He also said that Rs 2 lakh will be given to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to those seriously injured due to the cyclone.
"Under the leadership of CM Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal is doing its bit in fighting the crisis caused by Cyclone Amphan," he was quoted by PTI as saying in West Bengal's Basirhat.
He also said that a team will be sent by the Centre for a survey on the damages and the condition of the affected areas. "All aspects relating to rehabilitation and reconstruction will be addressed. We all want West Bengal to move ahead," he added.
'Condemn Double Standards': Karnataka Congress on PM Modi's Bengal Visit
The Congress has slammed PM Modi over his visit to West Bengal in the aftermath of Cyclone Amphan, saying he has "responded by visiting WB for survey, while he never visited Karnataka during floods and landslides".
"Bengal may be having an election next year but people are suffering here as well," the party's state unit tweeted.
'Sincerely Thank the President for Calling me to Convey His Support': Mamata Banerjee
Cyclone Amphan: PM Modi, Mamata Banerjee Conduct Aerial Survey in WB
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee conducted an aerial survey of the areas in the state ravaged by Cyclone Amphan on Friday.
Cyclone Amphan Should Be Treated as a National Disaster: Mamata Banerjee
At the Kolkata airport to receive PM Modi on Friday, CM Mamata Banerjee said that Cyclone Amphan should be treated as a national disaster. "Till now, we have got information that 80 people have died," she was quoted as saying.
PM Modi Reaches West Bengal, Received by Mamata Banerjee at Airport
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reached West Bengal to take stock of the situation in the wake of Cyclone Amphan and was received by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar at the Kolkata airport.
Union Ministers hailing from Odisha and West Bengal, including Dharmendra Pradhan, Babul Supriyo, Pratap Chandra Sarangi and Debasree Chaudhuri, will also be accompanying the PM for his aerial survey, ANI reported.
West Bengal Death Toll Rises to 77
The death toll in West Bengal rose to 77 on Friday after five more bodies were recovered from debris in various parts of the state, PTI reported.
Odisha CM Speaks to Mamata Banerjee, Offers Support
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik spoke to his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee on Friday and offered to give all the support to the state in view of the damage caused by Cyclone Amphan, the Odisha CM's office was quoted by ANI as saying.
PM Modi Leaves for West Bengal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left for West Bengal from Delhi to take stock of the situation arising out of Cyclone Amphan in the state.
NDRF Teams Airlifted to be Sent to Kolkata
Two teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were airlifted by an Indian Air Force aircraft to Kolkata, West Bengal from Pune, Maharashtra, today.
PM Modi to Visit West Bengal and Odisha on Friday
PM Narendra Modi will travel to West Bengal and Odisha on Friday to take stock of the situation in the wake of Cyclone Amphan, the PMO said. He will conduct aerial surveys and take part in review meetings, where aspects of relief and rehabilitation will be discussed.
Kolkata Airport Back to Operation: Authorities
"Kolkata airport is back to operation from 12 PM today after Cyclon Amphan ravaged at a wind speed of 130 kmph. The first departure was SpiceJet cargo flight for Delhi," says Kolkata airport authorities, ANI reports.
A Team of Home Ministry Will Visit WB, Odisha: NDRF
NDRF Chief says, "A team of Union Home Ministry will visit the states to evaluate the damages done by cyclone Amphan."
He adds, "The number of deaths and injuries may rise in West Bengal."
Very Heavy Rainfall Expected in Assam: IMD
Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, DGM, IMD, warns, "Very to very heavy rainfall is expected in Assam especially in western part and in Meghalaya. Arunachal Pradesh will also receive some rainfall at isolated places."
He, however, says, West Bengal doesn't have danger of adverse impact now.
Cyclone's Impact Was in Areas Predicted: IMD
IMD says, "Amphan made landfall between 3.30 pm and 5.30 pm near Sunderbans (yesterday), and wind speed too was between 155-165 kmph, as predicted. The impact of the cyclone has also been in areas as predicted."
"IMD used latest technology to give accurate forecast," adds DG M Mohapatra.
Normalcy Will Return in 24-48 Hrs: NDRF
NDRF Chief SN Pradhan while addressing the media says, "The Union Cabinet Secretary held a meeting with the West Bengal and Odisha Chief Secretaries to estimate the damage and response, earlier today."
He adds, "Normalcy will return in the next 24 to 48 hours in Odisha."
72 People Die in WB Due to Amphan, CM Says 'Will Ask PM to Visit the State'
72 people have died in West Bengal so far due to cyclone Amphan says West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
"I have never seen such a disaster before. I will ask PM to visit the state and see the situation," she added.
WB Announces Rs 2.5 L Compensation for Families of Those Killed
West Bengal government announces Rs 2.5 lakh compensation for those killed in Cyclone Amphan, PTI quoted WB CM Mamata Banerjee.
Amphan Weakens into Deep Depession: IMD
At 3.21 pm, IMD says Amphan weakened into a deep depression and will further weaken into depression in 6 hours.
'Assured All Possible Help to Naveen Patnaik and Mamata Banerjee': Amit Shah
Home Minister Amit Shah has said that the Centre is closely monitoring the situation arising out of Cyclone Amphan and is continuous touch with the concerned authorities.
"I have also spoken to CM Odisha, Shri Naveen Patnaik ji & CM West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee ji over situation arising due to the cyclone and assured all possible help from Centre," Shah tweeted.
'Entire Nation Stands in Solidarity With Bengal': PM Modi
With at least 10 people dead after Cyclone Amphan made landfall in West Bengal on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said "the entire nation stands in solidarity with West Bengal" and that "no stone will be left unturned in helping the affected".
2-Month-Old Baby Among Victims of Cyclone Amphan
A two-month-old baby from Odisha is said to be the first casualty of Cyclone Amphan, which wreaked havoc across West Bengal and Odisha on Wednesday, EastMojo reported. The baby was buried in the debris of his house after a wall collapsed in Kampada village of Bhadrak.
'Airlifting Four More Teams for Restoration Work in Bengal': NDRF Chief
NDRF Chief SN Pradhan said on Thursday that they are airlifting four more teams of the force from other parts of India for restoration work after a request by the West Bengal chief secretary.
"Roads clearance process has picked up pace and has been completed in some localities. It'll take some time to restore electricity and telecom services in affected areas...," he was quoted by ANI as saying.
MHA to Send Teams for Damage Assessment; NDRF Also Moving Additional Teams
The Ministry of Home Affairs will be sending teams to carry out early assessment of damages due to Cyclone Amphan and submit a report, the Union Government said on Thursday. Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba has also directed that officers of central ministries and agencies should remain in close touch with Odisha and West Bengal governments and provide all assistance expeditiously, ANI reported.
The secretary reviewed the situation on Thursday in the affected areas of the two states with the officials concerned.
The chief secretaries of Odisha and West Bengal informed that timely and accurate forecast by IMD, and advance deployment of NDRF, facilitated in the evacuation of about 5 lakh people in West Bengal and about 2 lakh in Odisha, the Union government said.
During the meeting, West Bengal said that there were major damages to agriculture, power and telecommunication facilities in the affected areas, while Odisha said that the damages have primarily been limited to agriculture.
Kolkata Airport Flooded Due to Cyclone Amphan
A part of the Kolkata Airport was flooded as Cyclone Amphan wreaked havoc across West Bengal on Wednesday, damaging infrastructure and uprooting trees in the state capital.
'Cyclone Amphan Further Weakened Into a Cyclonic Storm': IMD
A day after Cyclone Amphan wreaked havoc in West Bengal, the IMD on Thursday said that it "moved north-northeastwards with a speed of 27 kmph during the past six hours, further weakened into a cyclonic storm and lay centered over Bangladesh, about 270 km north-northeast of Kolkata."
The Morning After: Waterlogged Streets, Uprooted Trees in Kolkata
Residents of Kolkata on Thursday woke up to sights of waterlogged streets, uprooted trees and damaged infrastructure in the wake of the cyclone, which brought with it high-speed winds and heavy rainfall.
Read the full story here.
'Amphan to Weaken Further Into a Deep Depression': IMD
The India Meteorological Department on Thursday said, "Severe cyclonic storm Amphan over Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coast moved north-northeastwards with a speed of 30 kmph during the past six hours. (It's) very likely to continue to move north-northeastwards and weaken further into a deep depression during the next three hours."
Rooftop of a School in WB Blown Away by Wind
Latest visuals from West Bengal show heavy wind due to Amphan blow off the rooftop of a school in Howrah.
WB CM Says Amphan Impact Worse Than Coronavirus
Mamata Banerjee says cyclone impact is worse than coronavirus, reports NDTV.
Power Cut Reported in Some Areas of Kolkata
Power cuts have been reported in some areas of Kolkata following heavy rain and strong winds due to Amphan, reports ANI.
Some houses have been damaged and streets waterlogged.
Amphan Crosses as a 'Very Severe Cyclonic Storm'
"Amphan crossed as a very severe cyclonic storm. While crossing its wind speed was 155-165 kmph gusting to 185 kmph. Now it's located 35 km northeast of Sagar island (West Bengal), 70 km south of Kolkata, 95 km east-northeast of Digha," HR Biswas, Director of IMD Bhubaneswar, Odisha told ANI.
5,500 Houses Damaged in West Bengal
According to Bibek Vasme, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Basirhat, West Bengal, cyclone Amphan has damaged 5,500 houses, killed 2 people and severely injured 2.
NDRF Clears Roads
As the high-velocity winds hit the state, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel clear electricity wires and uprooted trees off the road between Digha in East Midnapore district and Odisha border, reports ANI.
Amphan Crosses WB-Bangladesh Coast
At 7 pm, IMD says, "AMPHAN crossed West Bengal-Bangladesh coast between Digha (West Bengal) and Hatiya Islands (Bangladesh) across Sunderbans."
It crossed with the wind speed of 155-165 gusting to 185 mph, according to IMD.
Amphan Claims Two Lives in WB
Cyclone Amphan claims two lives in West Bengal, PTI quotes officials.
Amphan Hits Villages of Odisha
In a video shared by PIB, Odisha the disruption created by cyclone Amphan can be seen. Many trees uproot and fall due to heavy winds.
Dark Clouds Capture Odisha
On the evening of Wednesday, West Bengal and Odisha experience heavy rains, flying objects and storm.
Cyclone Amphan Updates: Authorities Warn of Disruptions
According to IMD, disruption of rail and road links at several places is expected. Further, extensive damage to standing crops, plantations and orchards too is likely.
Blowing down of palm and coconut trees along with uprooting of large bushy trees is possible and large boats and ships may get torn from their moorings, warned IMD.
Cyclone Amphan Updates: NDRF, IMD Brief Media
In a joint press conference with health ministry and IMD, NDRF chief said more than five lakh people have been evacuated in West Bengal and 1,58,640 people in Odisha.
The cyclone weakened from super cyclone to "extremely severe cyclonic storm" as it approached the land. According to IMD, it will hit Kolkata, Howrah and Hubli by Wednesday, 20 May, evening.
Mamata Requests Railways Not to Run Trains for Migrants Due to Cyclone
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee requested the central government to temporarily suspend Shramik trains to West Bengal due to the cyclone.
“I request Railways not to bring back migrant workers to West Bengal on Wednesday and Thursday morning as precautionary measure," she said
Operations at West Bengal Airport Suspended
All operations suspended at Kolkata Airport till 5 am on Thursday in view of cyclone Amphan including special flights, which were operational in view of COVID-19 pandemic.
1 Dead in Bangladesh
Bangladesh reported first death due to Amphan. A volunteer drowned while evacuating villagers.
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