Cyclone Amphan impact could be worse than Coronavirus: Mamata

As the severe cyclonic storm pounded Bengal, Chief minister Mamata Banerjee said that the impact of Cyclone Amphan on West Bengal could be worse than the coronavirus pandemic.

Kolkata:West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday appealed for help and said that the impact of Cyclone Amphan can be "worse than coronavirus".

Addressing the media, West Bengal Chief Minister said that the cyclone can cause devastation worth Rs 1 lakh crore.

"We have to re-build everything. I appeal to the Centre -- no politics please, we want humanitarian help," said Banerjee.

She also informed that due to complete loss of connection, it will take at least 3-4 days to do an initial assessment of the losses.

Many bridges and kutcha houses have also been completely ravaged.

"As per our initial estimates, 10-12 people have died. We feel the loss of lives could even surpass that caused by the COVID-19 pandemic," Banerjee said.

Severe cyclonic storm Amphan made a landfall in West Bengal on Wednesday and caused severe damages with a wind speed ranging from 155 to 185 kmph, accompanied by heavy rainfall.