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At least 15 people were killed and several others injured after strong winds of up to 98 kmph hit the West Bengal capital and its adjoining areas late on Tuesday, 17 April, reported PTI.
Of the 15, seven died in Kolkata, six in Howrah district, and one each in Bankura and Hooghly districts respectively, the police said. Nearly 50 people were injured in incidents of wall collapse, uprooting of tress and electrocution.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has instructed the chief secretary to look into the situation and prepare a report on the damage and deaths caused by the storm.
The Disaster Management Department has also been asked to send teams to the affected districts, state Secretariat officials told PTI.
According to ANI, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that the state is likely to receive moderate rainfall on Wednesday, 18 April. They have also issued an advisory against venturing into the sea.
Due to steep pressure gradient, strong south to south westerly wind speed between 25-35 kmph gusting to 45 kmph and moderate to rough seas likely along and off West Bengal coast. Fishermen advised to be cautious while venturing into the sea, moderate rainfall expected.India Meteorological Department to ANI
According to PTI, the police said a large number of trees were uprooted across the city, throwing traffic movement out of gear.
Electrical fires were reported from various parts of the metropolis, a Fire Department official told PTI.
The New Market police station, located in the heart of the city, plunged into darkness following a short-circuit during the storm, he said.
People returning home after work faced traffic jams and snarls, as metro and train services were hit.
Metro services were disrupted for over two hours from 7:50 pm, a Kolkata Metro Railway spokesperson said. Eastern and South Eastern Railway sources said suburban train services in Sealdah and Howrah divisions were affected as overhead wires snapped during the storm.
A section of a railing fell on an empty train at Howrah station, sources said, adding that no one was injured. Departure and arrival of some flights, too, were delayed because of gutsy winds, airport officials said.
(With inputs from ANI and PTI)
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