Cyclone Amphan live updates: India facing second super cyclone, says NDRF chief
Cyclone Amphan live updates: India facing second super cyclone, says NDRF chief
Cyclone Amphan has developed into a super cyclone in the Bay of Bengal and has the potential to cause extensive damage in the coastal districts of West Bengal when it makes landfall on Wednesday, the government has said. Stay with TOI for all the latest updates:
Union home secretary assures assistance to Bengal, Odisha
Union home Secretary Ajay Bhalla has spoken to chief secretaries of West Bengal and Odisha - Rajiva Sinha and Asit Tripathy - in view of arrangements and preparedness against Cyclone Amphan, sources said on Monday. (ANI)
21:58 (IST), MAY 18
Shipping, boating to completely shut in parts of Odisha, West Bengal: IMD
With super cyclone 'Amphan soon to hit India, the Indian Metrological Department has advised a complete shutdown of shipping and boating activities in parts of West Bengal and Odisha till May 20.
21:55 (IST), MAY 18
Railways decides to suspend special trains on Bhubaneswar-Kharagpur route
The East Coast Railway on Monday decided to suspend running of all special trains on the Bhubaneswar-Kharagpur route in view of the approaching cyclone 'Amphan'. The railway line will be out of bounds for trains till further orders, the ECoR said. (PTI)
21:43 (IST), MAY 18
West Bengal, Odisha brace for super cyclone 'Amphan'
The extremely severe cyclonic storm 'Amphan' on Monday turned into a super cyclonic storm, only the second over the Bay of Bengal in two decades, and is spiralling towards Indian shores, prompting West Bengal and Odisha governments to start evacuating people from vulnerable areas, officials said.
21:26 (IST), MAY 18
'India facing second super cyclone'
NDRF chief SN Pradhan said that the disaster response force was not taking Amphan lightly as it is only the second time that India is facing a super cyclone.
Coastal West Bengal districts expected to receive heavy to extremely heavy rainfall on May 19 and 20: IMD DG
21:04 (IST), MAY 18
Cyclone Amphan very intense, has potential to do large-scale damage: IMD DG M Mohapatra
20:57 (IST), MAY 18
It's a dual challenge as cyclone Amphan is striking during Covid-19 outbreak. We are taking all precautions: NDRF chief
20:52 (IST), MAY 18
Damage to weak building structures, uprooting of trees, damage to railway tracks and power lines can be expected due to the super cyclone: IMD
20:51 (IST), MAY 18
East Medinapur district in West Bengal may witness tidal waves up to 3 to 4 metre due to the super cyclone: IMD
20:41 (IST), MAY 18
13 teams have been deployed in Odisha while 17 have been put on standby: NDRF chief
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20:41 (IST), MAY 18
We have deployed 19 teams in West Bengal, four teams have been put on standby: NDRF chief
20:41 (IST), MAY 18
Top NDRF and IMD officials brief journalists on preparedness for super cyclone Amphan
20:33 (IST), MAY 18
Heavy to very heavy rainfall along with strong winds expected in districts along the coast on Tuesday as super cyclone Amphan intensifies. All warnings and suggestive measures have been issued: Bhubaneswar Met centre
All ships in anchorage area have been sent to safer waters. All operations inside the Paradip port will stop later in the evening. In the township area, we've activated cyclone shelters. Availability of drinking water, cooked food, dry ration and masks are being made: Paradip Port Trust chief
19:49 (IST), MAY 18
The storm is also likely to impact the coastal districts of north Odisha, including Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Bhadrak and Balasore.
19:43 (IST), MAY 18
We request affected states of Odisha and West Bengal to undertake required measures. These states are already working on it: NDRF chief
19:37 (IST), MAY 18
Amphan now a 'super cyclone' and it is a serious issue, the only other cyclone in Odisha in 1999 was very deadly: NDRF chief
19:35 (IST), MAY 18
When 'Amphan' makes landfall on May 20, it will be an extremely severe cyclonic storm: NDRF chief SN Pradhan
19:35 (IST), MAY 18
Met department has warned of storm surge of 4-6 meter height above astronomical tide, will inundate low-lying coastal areas of West Bengal during landfall: Govt
19:33 (IST), MAY 18
Cyclone 'Amphan' has potential to cause extensive damage in coastal districts of West Bengal: Government
19:33 (IST), MAY 18
East Medinipur, South and North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly and Kolkata in West Bengal are likely to be worst affected by the cyclone: Government
19:22 (IST), MAY 18
Cyclone Amphan to make landfall on West Bengal coast on May 20 evening as extremely severe cyclonic storm with wind speeds up to 195kmph, reports PTI quoting government
19:11 (IST), MAY 18
The wind speed due to the supercyclone over the Bay of Bengal may go up to 230 kmph and even 265 kmph, but 'Amphan' will gradually weaken on the sea itself before its landfall on May 20: HR Biswas, director of the meteorological centre in Bhubaneswar
The East Coast Railway has positioned special teams for early restoration of tracks, signalling system and electrification, to run train, if there was no electric supply. Diesel locomotives have been kept ready for utilisation during failure of electricity. The ECoR is also keeping an eye over all stations between Bhubaneswar and Bhadrak in Bhubaneswar-Kharagpur railway section. (IANS)
18:48 (IST), MAY 18
Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with officials of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) through video conferencing to review the situation arising out of Cyclone Amphan in different parts of the country. (ANI)
ECoR takes steps for smooth running of trains
The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has initiated steps to meet any eventuality due to the cyclone Amphan. ECoR has planned for early restoration of train traffic and railway track, if affected by Amphan. A 24X7 disaster management cell has been opened at ECoR headquarters at Rail Sadan in Bhubaneswar and at the divisional headquarters at Visakhapatnam, Khurda Road, and Sambalpur.
18:05 (IST), MAY 18
Instructions have been given to take people living near sea beach and adjoining areas to cyclone shelters: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee
17:59 (IST), MAY 18
PM reviews situation in meeting with MHA, NDMA
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting with officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to review the arising Cyclone Amphan situation in different parts of the country. (IANS)
17:44 (IST), MAY 18
Bhubaneswar-New Delhi trains' route diverted
In the wake of the threat posted by cyclone Amphan, the Indian Railways has said that the New Delhi-Bhubaneswar special train will run on a diverted route for the next four days. (IANS)
17:13 (IST), MAY 18
IMD issues severe weather advisory for Monday and Tuesday
17:06 (IST), MAY 18
'Amphan' turns into a super cyclone
Cyclone 'Amphan' intensified into a super cyclonic storm on Monday and is likely to move across the northeast Bay of Bengal, and cross the West Bengal and Bangladesh coasts between Digha and the Hatia island on May 20, the IMD said.
16:58 (IST), MAY 18
The SDMA in Kerala has also advised fishermen not to venture into the sea. The SDMA has asked people living in areas that has history of landslides and landslips and those living near river banks and in coastal areas to be on watch out.
16:56 (IST), MAY 18
The SDMA in Kerala has warned of winds blowing at 45-55 km, besides lighting and thunder. This warning will remain effective till May 22.
16:51 (IST), MAY 18
For Tuesday, the yellow alert is issued for nine districts in Kerala. The IMD has also predicted 64.5mm to 115.5mm rain in 24 hours. (IANS)
16:35 (IST), MAY 18
IMD releases latest satellite image of super cyclone 'Amphan'
16:32 (IST), MAY 18
Yellow alert in 13 Kerala districts
The India Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rains in Kerala on account of the extremely severe cyclonic storm 'Amphan' over west central and adjoining central parts of south Bay of Bengal, following which the Kerala's State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has placed 13 of the 14 districts under yellow alert. (IANS)
16:12 (IST), MAY 18
Super cyclone to move across northeast Bay of Bengal
Cyclone 'Amphan' has intensified into a super cyclonic storm and is likely to move across the northeast Bay of Bengal, and cross the West Bengal and Bangladesh coasts between Digha and the Hatia island on May 20: IMD
15:51 (IST), MAY 18
Odisha initiates evacuation
The Odisha government has initiated the process of evacuating people from the vulnerable areas. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea till May 21, special relief commissioner (SRC) P K Jena said. (PTI)
15:46 (IST), MAY 18
37 teams deployed in Odisha, West Bengal in view of cyclone Amphan
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Director General SN Pradhan on Monday said that 37 NDRF teams have been deployed in seven districts of Odisha and six districts of West Bengal in view of cyclone Amphan.
15:44 (IST), MAY 18
Heavy rain in parts of Kerala
Many parts of Kerala have experienced heavy rains since overnight due to the impact of super cyclone Amphan. Widespread damage was reported from Vaikom taluk in Kottayam district after strong winds accompanied by heavy rains lashed the coastal town since Sunday night. (PTI)
15:15 (IST), MAY 18
37 NDRF teams to combat dual challenge of cyclone 'Amphan', Covid-19: DG
The NDRF has enhanced its strength to a total of 37 teams, with the addition of 20 more, to combat the "dual challenge" of cyclone 'Amphan' amid the coronavirus pandemic, the chief of the federal contingency force said on Monday. S N Pradhan, the NDRF Director DG, said the force is fully geared with all the equipment and paraphernalia to face the "developing situation which the IMD has said will turn into a very severe cyclonic storm by this evening and continue to be so for sometime".
15:13 (IST), MAY 18
'Amphan' to intensify into super cyclone by Monday evening, PM to chair meeting to review situation
Cyclonic storm 'Amphan' is likely to intensify into a super cyclone by Monday evening and unleash heavy rains coupled with high-velocity winds in coastal Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a high-level meeting to review the situation arising out of the cyclone.
15:12 (IST), MAY 18
Bengal on alert as 'Amphan' approaches
With 'Amphan' turning into a super-cyclone, the Mamata Banerjee-led government geared up to make necessary arrangements for the cyclonic spell that is expected to make a landfall in the state on Wednesday. The government sources said that special arrangements have been made by deploying specialised disaster management teams at Sagar Island and Kakdweep in South 24-Parganas district.
14:50 (IST), MAY 18
The cyclone is all set to unleash heavy rains coupled with high-velocity winds in coastal Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
14:46 (IST), MAY 18
We expect widespread rain in coastal Odisha tomorrow. On May 20, there could be heavy to very heavy rainfall in northern districts of the state, with wind speed reaching up to 110kmph in certain parts of Bhadrak, Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur, says Odisha spl relief commissioner.
14:44 (IST), MAY 18
Cyclone Amphan may turn into super cyclone between today evening and tomorrow morning. It'll make landfall between Digha and Hathiya island on May 20: Odisha special relief commissioner PK Jena
14:10 (IST), MAY 18
In Odisha (7 districts) & West Bengal (6 districts), a total of 37 NDRF teams have been deployed, of which 20 teams will be actively deployed by the end of this day and 17 teams are on standby: SN Pradhan, NDRF DG
13:20 (IST), MAY 18
The extremely severe cyclonic storm intensified into a super cyclone and lay centred at 770 km south from Paradeep. It will cross the land with weakened intensity on May 20 afternoon. The exact place of landfall is yet to be ascertained: IMD
13:17 (IST), MAY 18
India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues heavy rainfall warning for Odisha, West Bengal, sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, Assam and Meghalaya till May 21 in view of the severe cyclonic storm.
To review arising cyclone situation, PM Narendra Modi to chair high-level meeting with MHA, NDMA at 4pm: Union home minister Amit Shah
11:08 (IST), MAY 18
North Odisha coast will face maximum impact of Amphan when it makes landfall. Wind speed expected to be 110-120 mph, gusting up to 130kmph. Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj districts can be affected on 20 May: ANI quotes Umashankar Das, scientist, IMD Bhubaneswar
11:05 (IST), MAY 18
The cyclonic storm will move towards north-northeast direction and cross Digha (West Bengal)-Hathiya island (Bangladesh) on the afternoon/evening of May 20 with a wind speed of 155-165 kmph, says IMD director general, Delhi.
11:03 (IST), MAY 18
Cyclone Amphan in the Bay of Bengal, intensified into an extremely severe cyclonic storm at 2.30am today. It is expected to further intensify into a super cyclonic storm in the next 12 hours: Mrutyunjaya Mohapatra, IMD director general, Delhi
10:13 (IST), MAY 18
Storm surge height information
To review arising cyclone situation, PM Narendra Modi to chair high-level meeting with MHA, NDMA at 4pm: Union home minister Amit Shah
11:08 (IST), MAY 18
North Odisha coast will face maximum impact of Amphan when it makes landfall. Wind speed expected to be 110-120 mph, gusting up to 130kmph. Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj districts can be affected on 20 May: ANI quotes Umashankar Das, scientist, IMD Bhubaneswar
11:05 (IST), MAY 18
The cyclonic storm will move towards north-northeast direction and cross Digha (West Bengal)-Hathiya island (Bangladesh) on the afternoon/evening of May 20 with a wind speed of 155-165 kmph, says IMD director general, Delhi.
11:03 (IST), MAY 18
Cyclone Amphan in the Bay of Bengal, intensified into an extremely severe cyclonic storm at 2.30am today. It is expected to further intensify into a super cyclonic storm in the next 12 hours: Mrutyunjaya Mohapatra, IMD director general, Delhi
10:13 (IST), MAY 18
Storm surge height information
Issuing its track and intensity forecast, the national weather forecaster said Amphan is very likely to intensify further into extremely severe cyclonic storm during the next 24 hours. It said, “The (cyclonic) system is under continuous surveillance and the concerned state governments are being informed regularly".
08:05 (IST), MAY 18
Governments of both West Bengal and Odisha have geared up their local disaster management authorities for relief and rescue operations in coastal areas in view of the upcoming cyclone-linked extreme weather events.
08:03 (IST), MAY 18
While Phailin had a maximum wind speed of 260 kmph, cyclone Aila — that struck Sunderbans in 2009 and caused extensive damage — was relatively mild with a wind speed of 120 kmph. Cyclone Bulbul, the last one to strike the east coast in November 2019, had a wind speed 155 kmph. Amphan is set to move northwards till Monday afternoon and then move northeastwards and travel rapidly across northwest Bay of Bengal and cross the Bengal-Bangladesh coast.
08:03 (IST), MAY 18
It is going to be the strongest cyclone to hit the Bengal-Odisha coast since Phailin in 2013. Amphan could trigger moderate to heavy rain across south Bengal and Kolkata from Tuesday. The rain will intensify as the cyclone hits land on Wednesday afternoon.
08:02 (IST), MAY 18
Cyclome Amphan will hit the coast as a ‘very severe cyclonic storm’, though, losing some of its intensity just before landfall. But the impact could still be severe, especially along the coasts, according to weathermen. East Midnapore, North and South 24 Paragans are set to receive heavy rainfall as the cyclone approaches its coasts. Howrah, Hoogly and West Midnapore will also be lashed by heavy showers. “Maximum impact will be felt across South and North 24 Parganas and East Midnapore. We expect a wind speed of 120-130 kmph at the coastal areas. In Kolkata, it could be around 70-80 kmph with heavy rainfall on Wednesday,” said Regional Meteorlogical Centre (RMC) director G K Das.
Cyclone Amphan has developed into a super cyclone in the Bay of Bengal and has the potential to cause extensive damage in the coastal districts of West Bengal when it makes landfall on Wednesday, the government has said. Stay with TOI for all the latest updates:
Union home secretary assures assistance to Bengal, Odisha
Union home Secretary Ajay Bhalla has spoken to chief secretaries of West Bengal and Odisha - Rajiva Sinha and Asit Tripathy - in view of arrangements and preparedness against Cyclone Amphan, sources said on Monday. (ANI)
21:58 (IST), MAY 18
Shipping, boating to completely shut in parts of Odisha, West Bengal: IMD
With super cyclone 'Amphan soon to hit India, the Indian Metrological Department has advised a complete shutdown of shipping and boating activities in parts of West Bengal and Odisha till May 20.
21:55 (IST), MAY 18
Railways decides to suspend special trains on Bhubaneswar-Kharagpur route
The East Coast Railway on Monday decided to suspend running of all special trains on the Bhubaneswar-Kharagpur route in view of the approaching cyclone 'Amphan'. The railway line will be out of bounds for trains till further orders, the ECoR said. (PTI)
21:43 (IST), MAY 18
West Bengal, Odisha brace for super cyclone 'Amphan'
The extremely severe cyclonic storm 'Amphan' on Monday turned into a super cyclonic storm, only the second over the Bay of Bengal in two decades, and is spiralling towards Indian shores, prompting West Bengal and Odisha governments to start evacuating people from vulnerable areas, officials said.
21:26 (IST), MAY 18
'India facing second super cyclone'
NDRF chief SN Pradhan said that the disaster response force was not taking Amphan lightly as it is only the second time that India is facing a super cyclone.
Coastal West Bengal districts expected to receive heavy to extremely heavy rainfall on May 19 and 20: IMD DG
21:04 (IST), MAY 18
Cyclone Amphan very intense, has potential to do large-scale damage: IMD DG M Mohapatra
20:57 (IST), MAY 18
It's a dual challenge as cyclone Amphan is striking during Covid-19 outbreak. We are taking all precautions: NDRF chief
20:52 (IST), MAY 18
Damage to weak building structures, uprooting of trees, damage to railway tracks and power lines can be expected due to the super cyclone: IMD
20:51 (IST), MAY 18
East Medinapur district in West Bengal may witness tidal waves up to 3 to 4 metre due to the super cyclone: IMD
20:41 (IST), MAY 18
13 teams have been deployed in Odisha while 17 have been put on standby: NDRF chief
skt................................................
20:41 (IST), MAY 18
We have deployed 19 teams in West Bengal, four teams have been put on standby: NDRF chief
20:41 (IST), MAY 18
Top NDRF and IMD officials brief journalists on preparedness for super cyclone Amphan
20:33 (IST), MAY 18
Heavy to very heavy rainfall along with strong winds expected in districts along the coast on Tuesday as super cyclone Amphan intensifies. All warnings and suggestive measures have been issued: Bhubaneswar Met centre
All ships in anchorage area have been sent to safer waters. All operations inside the Paradip port will stop later in the evening. In the township area, we've activated cyclone shelters. Availability of drinking water, cooked food, dry ration and masks are being made: Paradip Port Trust chief
19:49 (IST), MAY 18
The storm is also likely to impact the coastal districts of north Odisha, including Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Bhadrak and Balasore.
19:43 (IST), MAY 18
We request affected states of Odisha and West Bengal to undertake required measures. These states are already working on it: NDRF chief
19:37 (IST), MAY 18
Amphan now a 'super cyclone' and it is a serious issue, the only other cyclone in Odisha in 1999 was very deadly: NDRF chief
19:35 (IST), MAY 18
When 'Amphan' makes landfall on May 20, it will be an extremely severe cyclonic storm: NDRF chief SN Pradhan
19:35 (IST), MAY 18
Met department has warned of storm surge of 4-6 meter height above astronomical tide, will inundate low-lying coastal areas of West Bengal during landfall: Govt
19:33 (IST), MAY 18
Cyclone 'Amphan' has potential to cause extensive damage in coastal districts of West Bengal: Government
19:33 (IST), MAY 18
East Medinipur, South and North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly and Kolkata in West Bengal are likely to be worst affected by the cyclone: Government
19:22 (IST), MAY 18
Cyclone Amphan to make landfall on West Bengal coast on May 20 evening as extremely severe cyclonic storm with wind speeds up to 195kmph, reports PTI quoting government
19:11 (IST), MAY 18
The wind speed due to the supercyclone over the Bay of Bengal may go up to 230 kmph and even 265 kmph, but 'Amphan' will gradually weaken on the sea itself before its landfall on May 20: HR Biswas, director of the meteorological centre in Bhubaneswar
The East Coast Railway has positioned special teams for early restoration of tracks, signalling system and electrification, to run train, if there was no electric supply. Diesel locomotives have been kept ready for utilisation during failure of electricity. The ECoR is also keeping an eye over all stations between Bhubaneswar and Bhadrak in Bhubaneswar-Kharagpur railway section. (IANS)
18:48 (IST), MAY 18
Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with officials of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) through video conferencing to review the situation arising out of Cyclone Amphan in different parts of the country. (ANI)
ECoR takes steps for smooth running of trains
The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has initiated steps to meet any eventuality due to the cyclone Amphan. ECoR has planned for early restoration of train traffic and railway track, if affected by Amphan. A 24X7 disaster management cell has been opened at ECoR headquarters at Rail Sadan in Bhubaneswar and at the divisional headquarters at Visakhapatnam, Khurda Road, and Sambalpur.
18:05 (IST), MAY 18
Instructions have been given to take people living near sea beach and adjoining areas to cyclone shelters: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee
17:59 (IST), MAY 18
PM reviews situation in meeting with MHA, NDMA
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting with officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to review the arising Cyclone Amphan situation in different parts of the country. (IANS)
17:44 (IST), MAY 18
Bhubaneswar-New Delhi trains' route diverted
In the wake of the threat posted by cyclone Amphan, the Indian Railways has said that the New Delhi-Bhubaneswar special train will run on a diverted route for the next four days. (IANS)
17:13 (IST), MAY 18
IMD issues severe weather advisory for Monday and Tuesday
17:06 (IST), MAY 18
'Amphan' turns into a super cyclone
Cyclone 'Amphan' intensified into a super cyclonic storm on Monday and is likely to move across the northeast Bay of Bengal, and cross the West Bengal and Bangladesh coasts between Digha and the Hatia island on May 20, the IMD said.
16:58 (IST), MAY 18
The SDMA in Kerala has also advised fishermen not to venture into the sea. The SDMA has asked people living in areas that has history of landslides and landslips and those living near river banks and in coastal areas to be on watch out.
16:56 (IST), MAY 18
The SDMA in Kerala has warned of winds blowing at 45-55 km, besides lighting and thunder. This warning will remain effective till May 22.
16:51 (IST), MAY 18
For Tuesday, the yellow alert is issued for nine districts in Kerala. The IMD has also predicted 64.5mm to 115.5mm rain in 24 hours. (IANS)
16:35 (IST), MAY 18
IMD releases latest satellite image of super cyclone 'Amphan'
16:32 (IST), MAY 18
Yellow alert in 13 Kerala districts
The India Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rains in Kerala on account of the extremely severe cyclonic storm 'Amphan' over west central and adjoining central parts of south Bay of Bengal, following which the Kerala's State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has placed 13 of the 14 districts under yellow alert. (IANS)
16:12 (IST), MAY 18
Super cyclone to move across northeast Bay of Bengal
Cyclone 'Amphan' has intensified into a super cyclonic storm and is likely to move across the northeast Bay of Bengal, and cross the West Bengal and Bangladesh coasts between Digha and the Hatia island on May 20: IMD
15:51 (IST), MAY 18
Odisha initiates evacuation
The Odisha government has initiated the process of evacuating people from the vulnerable areas. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea till May 21, special relief commissioner (SRC) P K Jena said. (PTI)
15:46 (IST), MAY 18
37 teams deployed in Odisha, West Bengal in view of cyclone Amphan
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Director General SN Pradhan on Monday said that 37 NDRF teams have been deployed in seven districts of Odisha and six districts of West Bengal in view of cyclone Amphan.
15:44 (IST), MAY 18
Heavy rain in parts of Kerala
Many parts of Kerala have experienced heavy rains since overnight due to the impact of super cyclone Amphan. Widespread damage was reported from Vaikom taluk in Kottayam district after strong winds accompanied by heavy rains lashed the coastal town since Sunday night. (PTI)
15:15 (IST), MAY 18
37 NDRF teams to combat dual challenge of cyclone 'Amphan', Covid-19: DG
The NDRF has enhanced its strength to a total of 37 teams, with the addition of 20 more, to combat the "dual challenge" of cyclone 'Amphan' amid the coronavirus pandemic, the chief of the federal contingency force said on Monday. S N Pradhan, the NDRF Director DG, said the force is fully geared with all the equipment and paraphernalia to face the "developing situation which the IMD has said will turn into a very severe cyclonic storm by this evening and continue to be so for sometime".
15:13 (IST), MAY 18
'Amphan' to intensify into super cyclone by Monday evening, PM to chair meeting to review situation
Cyclonic storm 'Amphan' is likely to intensify into a super cyclone by Monday evening and unleash heavy rains coupled with high-velocity winds in coastal Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a high-level meeting to review the situation arising out of the cyclone.
15:12 (IST), MAY 18
Bengal on alert as 'Amphan' approaches
With 'Amphan' turning into a super-cyclone, the Mamata Banerjee-led government geared up to make necessary arrangements for the cyclonic spell that is expected to make a landfall in the state on Wednesday. The government sources said that special arrangements have been made by deploying specialised disaster management teams at Sagar Island and Kakdweep in South 24-Parganas district.
14:50 (IST), MAY 18
The cyclone is all set to unleash heavy rains coupled with high-velocity winds in coastal Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
14:46 (IST), MAY 18
We expect widespread rain in coastal Odisha tomorrow. On May 20, there could be heavy to very heavy rainfall in northern districts of the state, with wind speed reaching up to 110kmph in certain parts of Bhadrak, Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur, says Odisha spl relief commissioner.
14:44 (IST), MAY 18
Cyclone Amphan may turn into super cyclone between today evening and tomorrow morning. It'll make landfall between Digha and Hathiya island on May 20: Odisha special relief commissioner PK Jena
14:10 (IST), MAY 18
In Odisha (7 districts) & West Bengal (6 districts), a total of 37 NDRF teams have been deployed, of which 20 teams will be actively deployed by the end of this day and 17 teams are on standby: SN Pradhan, NDRF DG
13:20 (IST), MAY 18
The extremely severe cyclonic storm intensified into a super cyclone and lay centred at 770 km south from Paradeep. It will cross the land with weakened intensity on May 20 afternoon. The exact place of landfall is yet to be ascertained: IMD
13:17 (IST), MAY 18
India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues heavy rainfall warning for Odisha, West Bengal, sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, Assam and Meghalaya till May 21 in view of the severe cyclonic storm.
To review arising cyclone situation, PM Narendra Modi to chair high-level meeting with MHA, NDMA at 4pm: Union home minister Amit Shah
11:08 (IST), MAY 18
North Odisha coast will face maximum impact of Amphan when it makes landfall. Wind speed expected to be 110-120 mph, gusting up to 130kmph. Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj districts can be affected on 20 May: ANI quotes Umashankar Das, scientist, IMD Bhubaneswar
11:05 (IST), MAY 18
The cyclonic storm will move towards north-northeast direction and cross Digha (West Bengal)-Hathiya island (Bangladesh) on the afternoon/evening of May 20 with a wind speed of 155-165 kmph, says IMD director general, Delhi.
11:03 (IST), MAY 18
Cyclone Amphan in the Bay of Bengal, intensified into an extremely severe cyclonic storm at 2.30am today. It is expected to further intensify into a super cyclonic storm in the next 12 hours: Mrutyunjaya Mohapatra, IMD director general, Delhi
10:13 (IST), MAY 18
Storm surge height information
To review arising cyclone situation, PM Narendra Modi to chair high-level meeting with MHA, NDMA at 4pm: Union home minister Amit Shah
11:08 (IST), MAY 18
North Odisha coast will face maximum impact of Amphan when it makes landfall. Wind speed expected to be 110-120 mph, gusting up to 130kmph. Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj districts can be affected on 20 May: ANI quotes Umashankar Das, scientist, IMD Bhubaneswar
11:05 (IST), MAY 18
The cyclonic storm will move towards north-northeast direction and cross Digha (West Bengal)-Hathiya island (Bangladesh) on the afternoon/evening of May 20 with a wind speed of 155-165 kmph, says IMD director general, Delhi.
11:03 (IST), MAY 18
Cyclone Amphan in the Bay of Bengal, intensified into an extremely severe cyclonic storm at 2.30am today. It is expected to further intensify into a super cyclonic storm in the next 12 hours: Mrutyunjaya Mohapatra, IMD director general, Delhi
10:13 (IST), MAY 18
Storm surge height information
Issuing its track and intensity forecast, the national weather forecaster said Amphan is very likely to intensify further into extremely severe cyclonic storm during the next 24 hours. It said, “The (cyclonic) system is under continuous surveillance and the concerned state governments are being informed regularly".
08:05 (IST), MAY 18
Governments of both West Bengal and Odisha have geared up their local disaster management authorities for relief and rescue operations in coastal areas in view of the upcoming cyclone-linked extreme weather events.
08:03 (IST), MAY 18
While Phailin had a maximum wind speed of 260 kmph, cyclone Aila — that struck Sunderbans in 2009 and caused extensive damage — was relatively mild with a wind speed of 120 kmph. Cyclone Bulbul, the last one to strike the east coast in November 2019, had a wind speed 155 kmph. Amphan is set to move northwards till Monday afternoon and then move northeastwards and travel rapidly across northwest Bay of Bengal and cross the Bengal-Bangladesh coast.
08:03 (IST), MAY 18
It is going to be the strongest cyclone to hit the Bengal-Odisha coast since Phailin in 2013. Amphan could trigger moderate to heavy rain across south Bengal and Kolkata from Tuesday. The rain will intensify as the cyclone hits land on Wednesday afternoon.
08:02 (IST), MAY 18
Cyclome Amphan will hit the coast as a ‘very severe cyclonic storm’, though, losing some of its intensity just before landfall. But the impact could still be severe, especially along the coasts, according to weathermen. East Midnapore, North and South 24 Paragans are set to receive heavy rainfall as the cyclone approaches its coasts. Howrah, Hoogly and West Midnapore will also be lashed by heavy showers. “Maximum impact will be felt across South and North 24 Parganas and East Midnapore. We expect a wind speed of 120-130 kmph at the coastal areas. In Kolkata, it could be around 70-80 kmph with heavy rainfall on Wednesday,” said Regional Meteorlogical Centre (RMC) director G K Das.
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