West Bengal: Cyclone AMPHAN intensifies advancing towards Bengal coast

Super Cyclone Amphan (pronounced as UM-PUN) intensifies as it is advancing towards the Digha coast in West Bengal coast and Paradeep in Odisha. Blowing over the Bay of Bengal and gaining moisture and strength, its landfall is expected to commence any time from the afternoon on 20th May.

 

Described as an Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm blowing over northwest Bay of Bengal, Cyclone Amphan is currently 150 km away from the Digha coast. Advancing at an intensity of 165-175 KMPH, its wind speed is expected to be around 18 KMPH in Digha, 22 KMPH in Bengal’s capital city Kolkata.

Cyclone AMPHAN intensifies towards Bengal coast

 

The India Meteorological Department in its hourly update has tweeted “SUCS AMPHAN about 120 km east of Paradip (Odisha) at 1030 IST of 20th May. To cross West Bengal-Bangladesh coasts between Digha (West Bengal) and Hatiya Islands (Bangladesh) close to Sunderbans. Landfall process to commence from afternoon.”

 

5 districts of Bengal namely, South and North 24 Parganas, East and West Midnapore along with Kolkata are on high alert in Bengal.

 

NDRF, SDRF, Civil Defense forces have been deployed at various places. And all fishing activities have been put to halt. Lakhs of people have been evacuated from all low lying and riverside areas of these four districts to cyclone relief shelters. Control rooms are monitoring the entire situation 24/7.

 

Adequate measures are also being taken to maintain social distancing and health hygiene in the relief shelters. PPEs, masks, gloves, and other equipment are being provided not only to the people but also to the rescue forces. Adequate food items have been stockpiled. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee along with other officials is closely monitoring the situation.

 

Time to time meetings of all District Magistrates, BDOs and other officials and ministers are being conducted regarding the same.

For more updates on Cyclone Amphan stay tuned!