23:43 May 20
Centre should not play politics in this crisis: Mamata Banerjee
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said: "South Bengal is mostly affected. West Bengal is standing on debris now. I urge Central Government, not to play politics during this crisis and help Bengal.
She said that it is a crisis situation for Bengal and will take 10-12 days to normalise the situation.
22:36 May 20
Strong winds and heavy rain damaged Police barricading at Howrah Bridge, earlier today.
22:28 May 20
Rooftop of a school in Howrah was blown away by strong winds earlier today.
22:27 May 20
19 NDRF teams have been deployed in coastal areas of West Bengal. NDRF teams assisted the local administration in the safe evacuation of more than 5 lakh people to safer places, till now: Public Relations, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
20:41 May 20
20:41 May 20
20:32 May 20
Kakdwip and Namkhana jetty of South 24 Paraganas broke down as cyclone Amphan hit coastal West Bengal. Many electric poles in the area also broke down.
19:42 May 20
The current wind speed in wind in Kolkata is 112 kmph. One Car turned turtle in Milenium park Area.
Also, two people were after a tree fell on them in Haroa.
Meanwhile, around 55,500 kaccha houses have been so far destroyed in Basirhat area. Storm Gust at Dumdum, with highest speed of 130 kmph for was also reported.
19:42 May 20
One more died in Matia area of Basirhat, north 24 Pargana.
His name is Mahanta Das (20). he was hit by a fallen tree. His house is in Mominpur.
19:26 May 20
NDRF Teams on Action at Digha & Mandarmani
400 people were shifted to rescue shelter as dams were damaged due to cyclone Amphan.
Trees uprooted at Digha, Thikra More, Chatradhora, Mahishgote. Barriers broke at Tajpur, Jamua, Sankarpur, Jalda, Chandpur under Mandarmani Coastal PS.
19:19 May 20
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee is monitoring the Amphan Situation from Nabanna Control Room .
18:36 May 20
Amphan reaches Greater Kolkata region with wind speed of 115kmph
Two casualties have been reported so far as Amphan hit Greater Kolkata region. One death from each North 24 Pargana and Howrah was reported, they died after uprooted trees and debris fell on the roof of their hous.
Noorjahan Bewa (56) resident of Minakhan in Basirhat area of north 24 Pargana and Another woman in Salkia area of Howrah district succumbed to their injuries.
Cyclone Amphan made landfall shortly after 2.30 pm and is gradually progressing inland. Kolkata and adjoining areas have been experiencing a wind speed of 115 kmph.
18:34 May 20
The riverine territory of the Sunderbans is bearing the initial brunt of Cyclone Amphan. The Ichamati River in Taki and Sandeshkali areas of North 24 Parganas is experiencing surge and windspeed is reaching to 120 kmph as the cyclone progresses inland.
17:29 May 20
Cyclone Amphan to completely enter land by 7 PM: IMD
Cyclone Amphan is currently crossing the West Bengal coast near the Sunderbans and will reach near Kolkata by evening, IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said on Wednesday as the storm was making a landfall.
He said strong winds with an intensity of 160 kilometres per hour have commenced in coastal West Bengal districts.
"The first arm of Cyclone Amphan has touched the land. The eye of the cyclone is expected to touch land anytime," he said.
"Landfall process started at 2.30 PM with the entry of the front sector of the wall cloud region," he said.
The width of the wall cloud is around 120 kilometres and the diameter of the eye is about 40 kilometres. The rear side is about 120 kilometres and the entire process will be completed by 3-4 hours.
South and North 24 Parganas will witness a lull as the eye of cyclone passes through, but heavy rains, strong winds will resume in the next 30 minutes.
"We are hopeful that by 7 PM the entire cyclone will enter the land," he added.
17:01 May 20
Super Cyclone Amphan is crossing West Bengal Coast between Digha & Hatiya close to Sunderban. The forward sector of wall clouds has entered into the land. Landfall process will continue and take 2-3 hours to complete: India Meteorological Department in a bulletin issued at 4:30 pm
17:00 May 20
Bhadrak and Balasore (in Odisha) will continue to have damaging impact for 2-3 more hours. After this Odisha will not have any damaging impact: Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.
16:59 May 20
Situation related to Cyclone Amphan fast transforming: NDRF DG
The situation related to Cyclone Amphan, which has started landfall, is fast transforming and a close watch is being kept, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Director General S N Pradhan said on Wednesday.
He said all 20 teams present in Odisha have been deployed, leaving none in reserve, while in West Bengal 19 teams have been deployed, while two have been kept in reserve.
One team has been deployed in Kolkata, Pradhan told a press conference.
He said 24 teams are ready for air-lifting.
"The situation is fast-transforming. Our duty becomes even more now and after the cyclone. It is a long haul," he said, adding that the NDRF is keeping a close watch on cyclone Amphan.
"All teams have wireless and satellite communications. We are not dependent on any communication system. It is another form of new normal, we have to handle disasters considering the pandemic too. In view of the prevailing COVID-19 scenario, all teams are equipped with PPE," the NDRF DG said.
16:59 May 20
Rainfall and strong winds at Chandipur in Balasore district. The landfall process of Cyclone Amphan commenced since 2:30 PM, will continue for about 4 hours.
16:58 May 20
Cyclone Amphan has moved down its originally forecasted path. It has already crossed Paradip, Kendrapara, Dhamra, and right now it is at sea adjoining Balasore. Maybe in another 3 hours, it will make landfall, informed Pradeep Kumar Jena, IAS Special Relief Commissioner, Odisha.
He added that there is info about 1 casualty in Bhadrak. Medical & admin team proceeded to village to inquest, after which exact cause of death can be decided by Collector. Another death occurred yesterday. It is not cyclone related death as of now.
16:35 May 20
Kolkata police closed all bridges in Kolkata as cyclone Amphan hit West Bengal
16:28 May 20
Rains lashed the banks of Haldi river in East Midnapore district in West Bengal as Amphan approached closer to the city. Also, the Jellingham, mangrove forest at the banks of the river completely submerged in the rising river water.
16:15 May 20
All ferries were tied up at Howrah jetty as Amphan approached Kolkata.
16:14 May 20
Heavy rains lashed the Howrah city as Amphan commenced its landfall process. The jetty at the coast also remained under water with continuous high tides witnessed in the water.
Meanwhile, TMC Minister Arup Roy visited the place and took cognizance of the situation.
"We are prepared to fight against Amphan. All precautionary measures have been taken by government," he said.
15:53 May 20
People in Bomikhal area of Bhubaneswar faced the issue of water logging as Amphan headed closer to the city.
15:23 May 20
Landfall process of cyclone 'Amphan' begins
The landfall process of cyclone 'Amphan' commenced at 2.30 pm on Wednesday between Digha in West Bengal and Hatiya island in Bangladesh, the Met department said.
The landfall process will continue for about four hours, it said.
"The forward sector of the wall cloud region is entering into land in West Bengal," the Met said.
The intensity of the cyclone near its centre as the landfall process started was recorded at 160-170 kmph, gusting to 190 kmph, it said.
Heavy rain and gale wind have affected several districts in the Gangetic West Bengal since morning and the intensity of the downpour and wind increased gradually with every passing hour.
At 3.05 pm, wind speed at Dum Dum airport was recorded at 76 km per hour, the Met said.
The system is likely to move north-northeastwards after landfall and pass close to Kolkata in its eastern side causing extensive damage and flooding of low-lying areas of the city, the Met department warned.
14:37 May 20
Visuals from Kendrapara district
14:34 May 20
Amphan Cyclone to move north-northeastwards and cross West Bengal-Bangladesh coast between Digha and Hatiya close to Sunderbans during late afternoon to evening hours of today (1600 hours IST onwards) with a wind speed of 155-165 kmph gusting to 185 kmph: IMD
13:45 May 20
Cyclone Amphan centered at 12:30 pm as an extremely severe cyclonic storm over northwest Bay of Bengal about 95 km south-southeast of Digha, West Bengal.
It currently lies at a distance of 95 km away from Sagar island, 120 km away from Paradeep and 195 km from Kolkata.
13:11 May 20
ETV Bharat reporter takes cognizance of situation in Ganjam district, Odisha.
13:08 May 20
Amphan: About 4.5L evacuated from Odisha, West Bengal
About 4.5 lakh people have been evacuated from vulnerable area in West Bengal and Odisha ahead of the landfall of cyclonic storm 'Amphan'.
'Amphan', termed as an extremely severe cyclonic storm, is expected to make a landfall on Wednesday noon or evening at a coastal area between West Bengal and Bangladesh.
Issuing a video message update, the chief of the the federal contingency force said rescue forces and administration are concerned and geared to tackle a storm surge or tidal waves up to 4-6 metres high as it is a new moon night or 'amavasya'.
As per data received from the state governments, he added, about 1.20-1.25 lakh people have been evacuated in Odisha and about 3.30 lakh in West Bengal in view of the cyclone.
13:03 May 20
Effect of Amphan cyclone is expected to be seen in Morada, Rasagobindpur, Betanati, Udala, Kaptipada, Baripada, GB Nagar and Suliapada areas of the district.
12:58 May 20
River Ganges witnessed high tides due to cyclone Amphan near Budje Budje area in South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal.
12:33 May 20
Cyclone Amphan currently lies at about 125 km south-southeast of Digha (West Bengal) at 11:30 am. To cross West Bengal-Bangladesh coasts between Digha, West Bengal & Hatiya Islands, Bangladesh close to Sunderbans. Landfall process to commence from afternoon: India Meteorological Dept
12:06 May 20
Water from sea entered the Baranambar village in Kendrapara, Odisha on Wednesday.
12:04 May 20
Special train from Howrah to new Delhi is canceled due to cyclone Amphan
A special train from Howrah to New Delhi has been cancelled due to cyclone Amphan. This was the only train running from the state to Delhi amid COVID-19 lockdown.
12:04 May 20
"Wind speed has picked up near coastal Odisha and is blowing at around 100 kmph at Paradip. Wind is not that strong in West Bengal. Odisha has evacuated nearly 1.5 lakh people from Balasore & Bhadrak & West Bengal has evacuated over 3.3 lakh people," said NDRF Chief SN Pradhan on Amphan.
12:02 May 20
MET Director HR Biswas speaks on the Amphan situation in Odisha
11:54 May 20
Odisha on Wednesday reported first casualty from Cyclone Amphan. A 3-month-old boy died after being stuck under debris flown away with strong winds.
11:47 May 20
Cyclone Amphan lies 177 km south southeast of Digha. After landfall, it is likely to move north northeast close to Kolkata. At the time of crossing coast, wind speed to be around 155-165kmph. It is likely to retain intensity as cyclone till May 21 morning: Dy Director, IMD Kolkata
11:17 May 20
All boats stranded at Odisha coast in wake of cyclone Amphan
11:14 May 20
Indian Navy on high alert for relief efforts in wake of Cyclone Amphan
In the wake of Cyclone Amphan, the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) is monitoring the developments in the Bay of Bengal closely and ships at Visakhapatnam have been kept on standby to proceed to affected areas to undertake humanitarian aid, distress relief, evacuation, and logistic support.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Amphan is likely to make landfall between Digha (West Bengal) and Hatiya Islands (Bangladesh) close to Sundarbans near afternoon today and is likely to cause havoc in parts of Odisha and West Bengal.
According to the Indian Navy, these ships are embarked with additional divers, doctors, inflatable rubber boats and relief material including food, tentage, clothes, medicines, blankets in sufficient quantities.
Additionally, 20 rescue teams with Gemini boats and medical teams are also kept ready for augmenting rescue and relief efforts in Odisha and West Bengal. Naval aircraft are also standing by at the Naval Air Stations INS Dega at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh and INS Rajali at Arakkonam, Tamilnadu to undertake reconnaissance, rescue, and casualty evacuation if required.
10:48 May 20
All operations suspended at Kolkata Airport till 5 am tomorrow in view of Cyclone Amphan including special flights, which were operational in view of COVID-19 pandemic: Airport Director, West Bengal
10:48 May 20
Very strong winds at Odisha's Kendrapara, as cyclone 'AMPHAN' is expected to make landfall near Sunderbans in West Bengal today evening.
10:42 May 20
Super cyclone Amphan to hit coastal areas from afternoon: IMD
Heavy rains lashed Digha in West Bengal and Paradip Coast in Odisha on Wednesday morning as Super cyclone Amphan was expected to hit the coastal areas of both the Indian states and also of neighbouring country Bangladesh in afternoon.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that the Super cyclone Amphan was about 120 km east-southeast of Paradip in Odisha at 8.30 a.m. "It is to cross West Bengal-Bangladesh coasts between Digh (west Bengal) and Hatiya Islands (Bangladesh) close to Sunderbans. The Landfall process to commence from afternoon," the IMD stated.
The department also pointed that Super cyclone Amphan centred at 7.30 a.m. on May 20, 2020, as an extremely severe cyclonic storm over northwest Bay of Bengal about, 125 km nearly east-southeast of Paradip, 225 km south of Digha and 380 km southwest of Khepupara in Bangladesh.
The department stated that the current intensity of Super cyclone Amphan near the center is 170-180 kilometre per hour and gusting to 200 kilometre per hour.
10:41 May 20
All ferryghats of Gosaba, South 24 Pargana being sealed as a precaution for Cyclone Amphan.
Ashram Ghat, Sonagao Ghat, Basanti, Namkhana, Kakdwip ferryghats are also being sealed. Heavy rainfall started from yesterday. High Tide seen this from morning.
10:34 May 20
Cyclone Amphan to move north-northeastwards and cross West Bengal-Bangladesh coast between Digha & Hatiya close to Sunderbans during afternoon to evening today with a wind speed of 155-165kmph gusting to 185 kmph: IMD
10:33 May 20
Over 1 lakh evacuated in Odisha as cyclone Amphan nears landfall
As many as 1,19,075 people have been evacuated from 13 vulnerable districts of Odisha as Cyclone Amphan is expected to make landfall on Wednesday between Digha in West Bengal and Hatia Island in Bangladesh.
Due to the cyclone, rainfall and strong winds are expected to batter several districts of Odisha today.
As many 1,704 shelter camps have been set up in anticipation of the super cyclone.
10:31 May 20
Howrah-New Delhi AC Special Express cancelled due to cyclone 'Amphan'
The departure of Howrah-New Delhi AC Special Express for Wednesday has been cancelled owing to the super cyclone 'Amphan', the Eastern Railway said here.
It said that since the system is most likely to cause heavy rain and storm, the departure of 02301 Howrah-New Delhi AC Special Express on Wednesday and 02302 New Delhi-Howrah AC Special Express on May 21 would remain cancelled.
The Met department in an advisory asked for stoppage or diversion of train movements owing to damage likely to be caused by the super cyclonic storm.
10:30 May 20
Cyclone Amphan: Heavy downpour, high velocity winds pound Odisha
As cyclone 'Amphan' hurtled towards the coast, heavy downpour coupled with high velocity winds pounded coastal Odisha, uprooting trees and flattening fragile structures, officials said on Wednesday.
Intense rainfall was recorded in several areas of Bhubaneswar, Puri, Khurda, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Ganjam, Ganjam, Bhadrak and Balasore districts since Tuesday, officials said.
10:10 May 20
Cyclone Amphan caused uprooting of trees, poles in Khaira block of Balesore.
10:08 May 20
Cyclone Amphan about 240 km south of Digha in West Bengal
Cyclone 'Amphan' lay centred about 240 km south of Digha in West Bengal on Wednesday morning as an extremely severe cyclonic storm, the Met department said here.
The intensity near the centre of the storm was 170 to 180 kmph gusting to 200 kmph, the Met said.
'Amphan' is very likely to move north-northeastwards and cross West Bengal-Bangladesh coast between Digha and Hatiya, close to the Sunderbans during the afternoon to evening of Wednesday with a wind speed of 155 to 165 kmph gusting to 185 kmph as a 'very severe cyclonic storm', the Met department said.
10:06 May 20
Super Cyclone Amphan about 120 km east-southeast of Paradip, Odisha at 8:30 am today, to cross West Bengal-Bangladesh coasts between Digha (West Bengal) and Hatiya Islands (Bangladesh) close to Sunderbans. Landfall process to commence from the afternoon: India Meteorological Dept
10:05 May 20
Cyclone Amphan: Heavy rain, strong winds in coastal Odisha
The Odisha government has evacuated over 1.37 lakh people to safer places as extremely severe cyclone Amphan hurtled towards the coast triggering heavy rain and strong wind on Wednesday morning.
Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradeep Kumar Jena informed that over 1.37 lakh people have been evacuated to cyclone shelters till morning and the figure may go up.
According to reports, trees were uprooted and power infrastructure suffered damage following strong winds in the coastal districts.Paradip recorded the highest wind speed of 102 kmph followed by Chandbali with 74 kmph, Balasore 61 kmph, and Bhubaneswar 56kmph.Paradip also registered highest 197.1 mm rainfall.
As many 16 units of the National Disaster Response Force, 15 teams of Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), 75 teams of Odisha Forest Development Corporation (OFDC) and 217 fire service team have been deployed in the affected districts.
10:03 May 20
Cyclone Amphan: Uprooted trees block roads in Odisha's Bhadrak district
Many trees were uprooted in Bhadrak on Wednesday after strong winds and rainfall battered the district as cyclone Amphan advanced towards the Indian coast.
In the morning, the fallen trees blocked the roads for a few hours causing traffic snarls in several parts of the district.
The fire service team was seen clearing a blocked road near R&B Office Bhadrak to facilitate the movement of vehicles, essential commodities and emergency service personnel.
10:03 May 20
19 NDRF teams on deployed in West Bengal
Nineteen teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in West Bengal in view of the approaching cyclone Amphan.
"Six teams have been deployed in South 24 Parganas, four teams each in East Midnapore and Kolkata, three teams in North 24 Parganas and one team each in Hooghly and Howrah. NDRF reaches Bakkhali
09:56 May 20
West Bengal government mounts one of its biggest evacuation exercises
Odisha: West Bengal on Tuesday mounted one of its biggest evacuation exercises by moving more than three lakh people to safer places as the extremely severe cyclonic storm 'Amphan' roared towards the coastal areas of the state, officials said.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said more than three lakh people from three coastal districts have been moved to safety and all steps are being taken to deal with any eventuality arising out of cyclone 'Amphan', which was scaled down from a super cyclone to an extremely severe cyclonic storm after it lost some of its steam on Tuesday afternoon.
Banerjee said she spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the day about the impending natural calamity in the state.
During cyclone 'Bulbul' in 2019, the state government had evacuated 1.8 lakh people, she told a press conference here during the day.
There are around 100 cyclone shelters spread across the coastal districts of North 24 Parganas, East Midnapore and South 24 Parganas, officials said.
"Most of the cyclone shelters are already full with quarantined migrant workers who have returned due to the lockdown forced by the COVID-19 pandemic. So we are using schools and colleges as shelters," an official said.
Given the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has distributed more than two lakh masks among the evacuees and personal protective equipment (PPE) kits have been handed out to the State Disaster Relief Force personnel, who have been deployed in the vulnerable areas, a senior official said.
North 24 Parganas and East Midnapore districts are two COVID hotspot districts due to high prevalence of positive cases.
The state has put the coastal districts of East Midnapore, North and South 24 Parganas, including the Sundarbans on high alert, Disaster Management Minister Javed Khan said.
The Meteorological (MeT) Department has issued an 'orange message' for West Bengal and warned of extensive damage in Kolkata, Hooghly, Howrah, South and North 24 Parganas and East Midnapore districts.
The impending cyclone has already triggered mild to medium rainfall in several parts of the state. The wind speed and the intensity of rain is likely to increase gradually as the cyclone 'Amphan' system crosses the West Bengal-Bangladesh coasts between Digha in West bengal and Hatia Islands in Bangladesh in the afternoon or evening of Wednesday, the MeT Department said.
The cyclonic storm will have maximum sustained wind speed of 155 kmph to 165 kmph gusting to 180 kmph, it said.
The MeT Department has advised all establishments and markets to remain closed in the city and adjoining areas and restriction on movement of people on May 20.
There are high chances of disruption of rail and road link at several places, uprooting of communication and power poles, extensive damage to all types of kutcha houses and some damage to old poorly managed pucca structures and potential threat from flying objects, the weatherman said.
There is also likelihood of extensive damage to standing crops, plantations and orchards and blowing down of palm and coconut trees, the MeT office said.
The chief minister said that she along with senior government officials would directly monitor the situation in the state and that she would herself stay put at the state secretariat on Wednesday.
She feared that cyclone 'Amphan' might cause most of its devastation in the coastal South 24 Parganas district and announced several helpline numbers.
On Wednesday, rainfall will occur in most places in the districts of Gangetic West Bengal with heavy to a hefty downpour at a few places in Kolkata, Howrah, East Midnapore,North and South 24 Parganas and Hooghly districts, regional
MeT office director G K Das said.
"Storm surge of 4 to 5 metres above astronomical tide is likely to inundate low lying areas of South and North 24 Parganas and about 3 to 4 metres over low lying areas of East Midnapore district of West Bengal during the time of landfall," he said.
In view of the situation, the Indian Navy has dispatched a team of divers to assist the West Bengal government in relief operations, a Defence official said.
The state government has also formed rapid response teams to ensure that tigers from Sundarbans in South 24 Parganas district do not stray into nearby human settlements after the landfall.
Chief wildlife warden Ravi Kant Sinha said a control room has been set up at Gosaba to monitor the situation in the mangrove forests round-the-clock.
Haldia Petrochemicals Limited (HPL) and Indian Oil Corporation's (IOC) refinery in East Midnapore district are on high alert, while Kolkata Port Trust has issued warnings to mariners and stopped movement of all vessels to and from its docks to prevent any damage to port assets and merchant ships, its official said.
Inputs from ANI, PTI & IANS
23:43 May 20
Centre should not play politics in this crisis: Mamata Banerjee
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said: "South Bengal is mostly affected. West Bengal is standing on debris now. I urge Central Government, not to play politics during this crisis and help Bengal.
She said that it is a crisis situation for Bengal and will take 10-12 days to normalise the situation.
22:36 May 20
Strong winds and heavy rain damaged Police barricading at Howrah Bridge, earlier today.
22:28 May 20
Rooftop of a school in Howrah was blown away by strong winds earlier today.
22:27 May 20
19 NDRF teams have been deployed in coastal areas of West Bengal. NDRF teams assisted the local administration in the safe evacuation of more than 5 lakh people to safer places, till now: Public Relations, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
20:41 May 20
20:41 May 20
20:32 May 20
Kakdwip and Namkhana jetty of South 24 Paraganas broke down as cyclone Amphan hit coastal West Bengal. Many electric poles in the area also broke down.
19:42 May 20
The current wind speed in wind in Kolkata is 112 kmph. One Car turned turtle in Milenium park Area.
Also, two people were after a tree fell on them in Haroa.
Meanwhile, around 55,500 kaccha houses have been so far destroyed in Basirhat area. Storm Gust at Dumdum, with highest speed of 130 kmph for was also reported.
19:42 May 20
One more died in Matia area of Basirhat, north 24 Pargana.
His name is Mahanta Das (20). he was hit by a fallen tree. His house is in Mominpur.
19:26 May 20
NDRF Teams on Action at Digha & Mandarmani
400 people were shifted to rescue shelter as dams were damaged due to cyclone Amphan.
Trees uprooted at Digha, Thikra More, Chatradhora, Mahishgote. Barriers broke at Tajpur, Jamua, Sankarpur, Jalda, Chandpur under Mandarmani Coastal PS.
19:19 May 20
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee is monitoring the Amphan Situation from Nabanna Control Room .
18:36 May 20
Amphan reaches Greater Kolkata region with wind speed of 115kmph
Two casualties have been reported so far as Amphan hit Greater Kolkata region. One death from each North 24 Pargana and Howrah was reported, they died after uprooted trees and debris fell on the roof of their hous.
Noorjahan Bewa (56) resident of Minakhan in Basirhat area of north 24 Pargana and Another woman in Salkia area of Howrah district succumbed to their injuries.
Cyclone Amphan made landfall shortly after 2.30 pm and is gradually progressing inland. Kolkata and adjoining areas have been experiencing a wind speed of 115 kmph.
18:34 May 20
The riverine territory of the Sunderbans is bearing the initial brunt of Cyclone Amphan. The Ichamati River in Taki and Sandeshkali areas of North 24 Parganas is experiencing surge and windspeed is reaching to 120 kmph as the cyclone progresses inland.
17:29 May 20
Cyclone Amphan to completely enter land by 7 PM: IMD
Cyclone Amphan is currently crossing the West Bengal coast near the Sunderbans and will reach near Kolkata by evening, IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said on Wednesday as the storm was making a landfall.
He said strong winds with an intensity of 160 kilometres per hour have commenced in coastal West Bengal districts.
"The first arm of Cyclone Amphan has touched the land. The eye of the cyclone is expected to touch land anytime," he said.
"Landfall process started at 2.30 PM with the entry of the front sector of the wall cloud region," he said.
The width of the wall cloud is around 120 kilometres and the diameter of the eye is about 40 kilometres. The rear side is about 120 kilometres and the entire process will be completed by 3-4 hours.
South and North 24 Parganas will witness a lull as the eye of cyclone passes through, but heavy rains, strong winds will resume in the next 30 minutes.
"We are hopeful that by 7 PM the entire cyclone will enter the land," he added.
17:01 May 20
Super Cyclone Amphan is crossing West Bengal Coast between Digha & Hatiya close to Sunderban. The forward sector of wall clouds has entered into the land. Landfall process will continue and take 2-3 hours to complete: India Meteorological Department in a bulletin issued at 4:30 pm
17:00 May 20
Bhadrak and Balasore (in Odisha) will continue to have damaging impact for 2-3 more hours. After this Odisha will not have any damaging impact: Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.
16:59 May 20
Situation related to Cyclone Amphan fast transforming: NDRF DG
The situation related to Cyclone Amphan, which has started landfall, is fast transforming and a close watch is being kept, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Director General S N Pradhan said on Wednesday.
He said all 20 teams present in Odisha have been deployed, leaving none in reserve, while in West Bengal 19 teams have been deployed, while two have been kept in reserve.
One team has been deployed in Kolkata, Pradhan told a press conference.
He said 24 teams are ready for air-lifting.
"The situation is fast-transforming. Our duty becomes even more now and after the cyclone. It is a long haul," he said, adding that the NDRF is keeping a close watch on cyclone Amphan.
"All teams have wireless and satellite communications. We are not dependent on any communication system. It is another form of new normal, we have to handle disasters considering the pandemic too. In view of the prevailing COVID-19 scenario, all teams are equipped with PPE," the NDRF DG said.
16:59 May 20
Rainfall and strong winds at Chandipur in Balasore district. The landfall process of Cyclone Amphan commenced since 2:30 PM, will continue for about 4 hours.
16:58 May 20
Cyclone Amphan has moved down its originally forecasted path. It has already crossed Paradip, Kendrapara, Dhamra, and right now it is at sea adjoining Balasore. Maybe in another 3 hours, it will make landfall, informed Pradeep Kumar Jena, IAS Special Relief Commissioner, Odisha.
He added that there is info about 1 casualty in Bhadrak. Medical & admin team proceeded to village to inquest, after which exact cause of death can be decided by Collector. Another death occurred yesterday. It is not cyclone related death as of now.
16:35 May 20
Kolkata police closed all bridges in Kolkata as cyclone Amphan hit West Bengal
16:28 May 20
Rains lashed the banks of Haldi river in East Midnapore district in West Bengal as Amphan approached closer to the city. Also, the Jellingham, mangrove forest at the banks of the river completely submerged in the rising river water.
16:15 May 20
All ferries were tied up at Howrah jetty as Amphan approached Kolkata.
16:14 May 20
Heavy rains lashed the Howrah city as Amphan commenced its landfall process. The jetty at the coast also remained under water with continuous high tides witnessed in the water.
Meanwhile, TMC Minister Arup Roy visited the place and took cognizance of the situation.
"We are prepared to fight against Amphan. All precautionary measures have been taken by government," he said.
15:53 May 20
People in Bomikhal area of Bhubaneswar faced the issue of water logging as Amphan headed closer to the city.
15:23 May 20
Landfall process of cyclone 'Amphan' begins
The landfall process of cyclone 'Amphan' commenced at 2.30 pm on Wednesday between Digha in West Bengal and Hatiya island in Bangladesh, the Met department said.
The landfall process will continue for about four hours, it said.
"The forward sector of the wall cloud region is entering into land in West Bengal," the Met said.
The intensity of the cyclone near its centre as the landfall process started was recorded at 160-170 kmph, gusting to 190 kmph, it said.
Heavy rain and gale wind have affected several districts in the Gangetic West Bengal since morning and the intensity of the downpour and wind increased gradually with every passing hour.
At 3.05 pm, wind speed at Dum Dum airport was recorded at 76 km per hour, the Met said.
The system is likely to move north-northeastwards after landfall and pass close to Kolkata in its eastern side causing extensive damage and flooding of low-lying areas of the city, the Met department warned.
14:37 May 20
Visuals from Kendrapara district
14:34 May 20
Amphan Cyclone to move north-northeastwards and cross West Bengal-Bangladesh coast between Digha and Hatiya close to Sunderbans during late afternoon to evening hours of today (1600 hours IST onwards) with a wind speed of 155-165 kmph gusting to 185 kmph: IMD
13:45 May 20
Cyclone Amphan centered at 12:30 pm as an extremely severe cyclonic storm over northwest Bay of Bengal about 95 km south-southeast of Digha, West Bengal.
It currently lies at a distance of 95 km away from Sagar island, 120 km away from Paradeep and 195 km from Kolkata.
13:11 May 20
ETV Bharat reporter takes cognizance of situation in Ganjam district, Odisha.
13:08 May 20
Amphan: About 4.5L evacuated from Odisha, West Bengal
About 4.5 lakh people have been evacuated from vulnerable area in West Bengal and Odisha ahead of the landfall of cyclonic storm 'Amphan'.
'Amphan', termed as an extremely severe cyclonic storm, is expected to make a landfall on Wednesday noon or evening at a coastal area between West Bengal and Bangladesh.
Issuing a video message update, the chief of the the federal contingency force said rescue forces and administration are concerned and geared to tackle a storm surge or tidal waves up to 4-6 metres high as it is a new moon night or 'amavasya'.
As per data received from the state governments, he added, about 1.20-1.25 lakh people have been evacuated in Odisha and about 3.30 lakh in West Bengal in view of the cyclone.
13:03 May 20
Effect of Amphan cyclone is expected to be seen in Morada, Rasagobindpur, Betanati, Udala, Kaptipada, Baripada, GB Nagar and Suliapada areas of the district.
12:58 May 20
River Ganges witnessed high tides due to cyclone Amphan near Budje Budje area in South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal.
12:33 May 20
Cyclone Amphan currently lies at about 125 km south-southeast of Digha (West Bengal) at 11:30 am. To cross West Bengal-Bangladesh coasts between Digha, West Bengal & Hatiya Islands, Bangladesh close to Sunderbans. Landfall process to commence from afternoon: India Meteorological Dept
12:06 May 20
Water from sea entered the Baranambar village in Kendrapara, Odisha on Wednesday.
12:04 May 20
Special train from Howrah to new Delhi is canceled due to cyclone Amphan
A special train from Howrah to New Delhi has been cancelled due to cyclone Amphan. This was the only train running from the state to Delhi amid COVID-19 lockdown.
12:04 May 20
"Wind speed has picked up near coastal Odisha and is blowing at around 100 kmph at Paradip. Wind is not that strong in West Bengal. Odisha has evacuated nearly 1.5 lakh people from Balasore & Bhadrak & West Bengal has evacuated over 3.3 lakh people," said NDRF Chief SN Pradhan on Amphan.
12:02 May 20
MET Director HR Biswas speaks on the Amphan situation in Odisha
11:54 May 20
Odisha on Wednesday reported first casualty from Cyclone Amphan. A 3-month-old boy died after being stuck under debris flown away with strong winds.
11:47 May 20
Cyclone Amphan lies 177 km south southeast of Digha. After landfall, it is likely to move north northeast close to Kolkata. At the time of crossing coast, wind speed to be around 155-165kmph. It is likely to retain intensity as cyclone till May 21 morning: Dy Director, IMD Kolkata
11:17 May 20
All boats stranded at Odisha coast in wake of cyclone Amphan
11:14 May 20
Indian Navy on high alert for relief efforts in wake of Cyclone Amphan
In the wake of Cyclone Amphan, the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) is monitoring the developments in the Bay of Bengal closely and ships at Visakhapatnam have been kept on standby to proceed to affected areas to undertake humanitarian aid, distress relief, evacuation, and logistic support.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Amphan is likely to make landfall between Digha (West Bengal) and Hatiya Islands (Bangladesh) close to Sundarbans near afternoon today and is likely to cause havoc in parts of Odisha and West Bengal.
According to the Indian Navy, these ships are embarked with additional divers, doctors, inflatable rubber boats and relief material including food, tentage, clothes, medicines, blankets in sufficient quantities.
Additionally, 20 rescue teams with Gemini boats and medical teams are also kept ready for augmenting rescue and relief efforts in Odisha and West Bengal. Naval aircraft are also standing by at the Naval Air Stations INS Dega at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh and INS Rajali at Arakkonam, Tamilnadu to undertake reconnaissance, rescue, and casualty evacuation if required.
10:48 May 20
All operations suspended at Kolkata Airport till 5 am tomorrow in view of Cyclone Amphan including special flights, which were operational in view of COVID-19 pandemic: Airport Director, West Bengal
10:48 May 20
Very strong winds at Odisha's Kendrapara, as cyclone 'AMPHAN' is expected to make landfall near Sunderbans in West Bengal today evening.
10:42 May 20
Super cyclone Amphan to hit coastal areas from afternoon: IMD
Heavy rains lashed Digha in West Bengal and Paradip Coast in Odisha on Wednesday morning as Super cyclone Amphan was expected to hit the coastal areas of both the Indian states and also of neighbouring country Bangladesh in afternoon.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that the Super cyclone Amphan was about 120 km east-southeast of Paradip in Odisha at 8.30 a.m. "It is to cross West Bengal-Bangladesh coasts between Digh (west Bengal) and Hatiya Islands (Bangladesh) close to Sunderbans. The Landfall process to commence from afternoon," the IMD stated.
The department also pointed that Super cyclone Amphan centred at 7.30 a.m. on May 20, 2020, as an extremely severe cyclonic storm over northwest Bay of Bengal about, 125 km nearly east-southeast of Paradip, 225 km south of Digha and 380 km southwest of Khepupara in Bangladesh.
The department stated that the current intensity of Super cyclone Amphan near the center is 170-180 kilometre per hour and gusting to 200 kilometre per hour.
10:41 May 20
All ferryghats of Gosaba, South 24 Pargana being sealed as a precaution for Cyclone Amphan.
Ashram Ghat, Sonagao Ghat, Basanti, Namkhana, Kakdwip ferryghats are also being sealed. Heavy rainfall started from yesterday. High Tide seen this from morning.
10:34 May 20
Cyclone Amphan to move north-northeastwards and cross West Bengal-Bangladesh coast between Digha & Hatiya close to Sunderbans during afternoon to evening today with a wind speed of 155-165kmph gusting to 185 kmph: IMD
10:33 May 20
Over 1 lakh evacuated in Odisha as cyclone Amphan nears landfall
As many as 1,19,075 people have been evacuated from 13 vulnerable districts of Odisha as Cyclone Amphan is expected to make landfall on Wednesday between Digha in West Bengal and Hatia Island in Bangladesh.
Due to the cyclone, rainfall and strong winds are expected to batter several districts of Odisha today.
As many 1,704 shelter camps have been set up in anticipation of the super cyclone.
10:31 May 20
Howrah-New Delhi AC Special Express cancelled due to cyclone 'Amphan'
The departure of Howrah-New Delhi AC Special Express for Wednesday has been cancelled owing to the super cyclone 'Amphan', the Eastern Railway said here.
It said that since the system is most likely to cause heavy rain and storm, the departure of 02301 Howrah-New Delhi AC Special Express on Wednesday and 02302 New Delhi-Howrah AC Special Express on May 21 would remain cancelled.
The Met department in an advisory asked for stoppage or diversion of train movements owing to damage likely to be caused by the super cyclonic storm.
10:30 May 20
Cyclone Amphan: Heavy downpour, high velocity winds pound Odisha
As cyclone 'Amphan' hurtled towards the coast, heavy downpour coupled with high velocity winds pounded coastal Odisha, uprooting trees and flattening fragile structures, officials said on Wednesday.
Intense rainfall was recorded in several areas of Bhubaneswar, Puri, Khurda, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Ganjam, Ganjam, Bhadrak and Balasore districts since Tuesday, officials said.
10:10 May 20
Cyclone Amphan caused uprooting of trees, poles in Khaira block of Balesore.
10:08 May 20
Cyclone Amphan about 240 km south of Digha in West Bengal
Cyclone 'Amphan' lay centred about 240 km south of Digha in West Bengal on Wednesday morning as an extremely severe cyclonic storm, the Met department said here.
The intensity near the centre of the storm was 170 to 180 kmph gusting to 200 kmph, the Met said.
'Amphan' is very likely to move north-northeastwards and cross West Bengal-Bangladesh coast between Digha and Hatiya, close to the Sunderbans during the afternoon to evening of Wednesday with a wind speed of 155 to 165 kmph gusting to 185 kmph as a 'very severe cyclonic storm', the Met department said.
10:06 May 20
Super Cyclone Amphan about 120 km east-southeast of Paradip, Odisha at 8:30 am today, to cross West Bengal-Bangladesh coasts between Digha (West Bengal) and Hatiya Islands (Bangladesh) close to Sunderbans. Landfall process to commence from the afternoon: India Meteorological Dept
10:05 May 20
Cyclone Amphan: Heavy rain, strong winds in coastal Odisha
The Odisha government has evacuated over 1.37 lakh people to safer places as extremely severe cyclone Amphan hurtled towards the coast triggering heavy rain and strong wind on Wednesday morning.
Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradeep Kumar Jena informed that over 1.37 lakh people have been evacuated to cyclone shelters till morning and the figure may go up.
According to reports, trees were uprooted and power infrastructure suffered damage following strong winds in the coastal districts.Paradip recorded the highest wind speed of 102 kmph followed by Chandbali with 74 kmph, Balasore 61 kmph, and Bhubaneswar 56kmph.Paradip also registered highest 197.1 mm rainfall.
As many 16 units of the National Disaster Response Force, 15 teams of Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), 75 teams of Odisha Forest Development Corporation (OFDC) and 217 fire service team have been deployed in the affected districts.
10:03 May 20
Cyclone Amphan: Uprooted trees block roads in Odisha's Bhadrak district
Many trees were uprooted in Bhadrak on Wednesday after strong winds and rainfall battered the district as cyclone Amphan advanced towards the Indian coast.
In the morning, the fallen trees blocked the roads for a few hours causing traffic snarls in several parts of the district.
The fire service team was seen clearing a blocked road near R&B Office Bhadrak to facilitate the movement of vehicles, essential commodities and emergency service personnel.
10:03 May 20
19 NDRF teams on deployed in West Bengal
Nineteen teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in West Bengal in view of the approaching cyclone Amphan.
"Six teams have been deployed in South 24 Parganas, four teams each in East Midnapore and Kolkata, three teams in North 24 Parganas and one team each in Hooghly and Howrah. NDRF reaches Bakkhali
09:56 May 20
West Bengal government mounts one of its biggest evacuation exercises
Odisha: West Bengal on Tuesday mounted one of its biggest evacuation exercises by moving more than three lakh people to safer places as the extremely severe cyclonic storm 'Amphan' roared towards the coastal areas of the state, officials said.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said more than three lakh people from three coastal districts have been moved to safety and all steps are being taken to deal with any eventuality arising out of cyclone 'Amphan', which was scaled down from a super cyclone to an extremely severe cyclonic storm after it lost some of its steam on Tuesday afternoon.
Banerjee said she spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the day about the impending natural calamity in the state.
During cyclone 'Bulbul' in 2019, the state government had evacuated 1.8 lakh people, she told a press conference here during the day.
There are around 100 cyclone shelters spread across the coastal districts of North 24 Parganas, East Midnapore and South 24 Parganas, officials said.
"Most of the cyclone shelters are already full with quarantined migrant workers who have returned due to the lockdown forced by the COVID-19 pandemic. So we are using schools and colleges as shelters," an official said.
Given the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has distributed more than two lakh masks among the evacuees and personal protective equipment (PPE) kits have been handed out to the State Disaster Relief Force personnel, who have been deployed in the vulnerable areas, a senior official said.
North 24 Parganas and East Midnapore districts are two COVID hotspot districts due to high prevalence of positive cases.
The state has put the coastal districts of East Midnapore, North and South 24 Parganas, including the Sundarbans on high alert, Disaster Management Minister Javed Khan said.
The Meteorological (MeT) Department has issued an 'orange message' for West Bengal and warned of extensive damage in Kolkata, Hooghly, Howrah, South and North 24 Parganas and East Midnapore districts.
The impending cyclone has already triggered mild to medium rainfall in several parts of the state. The wind speed and the intensity of rain is likely to increase gradually as the cyclone 'Amphan' system crosses the West Bengal-Bangladesh coasts between Digha in West bengal and Hatia Islands in Bangladesh in the afternoon or evening of Wednesday, the MeT Department said.
The cyclonic storm will have maximum sustained wind speed of 155 kmph to 165 kmph gusting to 180 kmph, it said.
The MeT Department has advised all establishments and markets to remain closed in the city and adjoining areas and restriction on movement of people on May 20.
There are high chances of disruption of rail and road link at several places, uprooting of communication and power poles, extensive damage to all types of kutcha houses and some damage to old poorly managed pucca structures and potential threat from flying objects, the weatherman said.
There is also likelihood of extensive damage to standing crops, plantations and orchards and blowing down of palm and coconut trees, the MeT office said.
The chief minister said that she along with senior government officials would directly monitor the situation in the state and that she would herself stay put at the state secretariat on Wednesday.
She feared that cyclone 'Amphan' might cause most of its devastation in the coastal South 24 Parganas district and announced several helpline numbers.
On Wednesday, rainfall will occur in most places in the districts of Gangetic West Bengal with heavy to a hefty downpour at a few places in Kolkata, Howrah, East Midnapore,North and South 24 Parganas and Hooghly districts, regional
MeT office director G K Das said.
"Storm surge of 4 to 5 metres above astronomical tide is likely to inundate low lying areas of South and North 24 Parganas and about 3 to 4 metres over low lying areas of East Midnapore district of West Bengal during the time of landfall," he said.
In view of the situation, the Indian Navy has dispatched a team of divers to assist the West Bengal government in relief operations, a Defence official said.
The state government has also formed rapid response teams to ensure that tigers from Sundarbans in South 24 Parganas district do not stray into nearby human settlements after the landfall.
Chief wildlife warden Ravi Kant Sinha said a control room has been set up at Gosaba to monitor the situation in the mangrove forests round-the-clock.
Haldia Petrochemicals Limited (HPL) and Indian Oil Corporation's (IOC) refinery in East Midnapore district are on high alert, while Kolkata Port Trust has issued warnings to mariners and stopped movement of all vessels to and from its docks to prevent any damage to port assets and merchant ships, its official said.
Inputs from ANI, PTI & IANS
Please write to us, for media partnership and Ad-sales inquiries. Email: adops@etvbharat.com
