India: Thousands Evacuated as Cyclone Approaches

Cyclone Nears Eastern Coast of India, Hundreds of Thousands Evacuated

Authorities in India’s eastern states of Odisha and West Bengal are evacuating hundreds of thousands of people from coastal areas as a powerful cyclone approaches the region.

Massive Evacuation Efforts Underway

Odisha’s health minister Mukesh Mahaling told the AFP news agency that “nearly a million people from the coastal areas are being evacuated to cyclone centres.”

In neighbouring West Bengal, evacuations of more than 100,000 people have begun, said Bankim Chandra Hazra, a government minister.

Airlines and Train Services Suspended

Flights to and from airports in the capitals of both states – including Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport – will be suspended from Thursday evening to Friday morning, officials said.

Authorities in Odisha cancelled about 200 trains, according to local media reports.

Fishermen and Tourists Urged to Take Precautions

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) warned fishing crews to stay off the water. Television footage showed fishermen rushing to secure their straw homes and boats with rope.

Tourists in coastal areas of both states were told to leave beach resorts and move to shelters.

In Odisha’s city of Puri, tourists rushed to the railway station to leave, according to rail spokesman Kaushik Mitea.

Cyclone Comparison: Odisha’s Worst in Recent Years

Odisha’s worst cyclone in recent years was in 1999, which raged for 30 hours and killed 10,000 people.

At least 16 people were killed when a cyclone lashed India and Bangladesh in May, packing speeds of up to 135km/h (84mph).

Conclusion

The Indian states of Odisha and West Bengal are taking proactive measures to evacuate hundreds of thousands of people from the coast as a powerful cyclone approaches. The situation is being closely monitored, and authorities are urging people to take necessary precautions.

FAQs

* How many people are being evacuated from the coast?
Around 1 million people from the coastal areas are being evacuated to cyclone centres.
* Where are the flights and train services suspended?
Flights to and from airports in the capitals of both states, including Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, are suspended from Thursday evening to Friday morning. Train services have been cancelled in Odisha.
* What is the warning speed of the cyclone?
The cyclone is expected to pack speeds of up to 135km/h (84mph).