Odisha initiates evacuation as Amphan turns into super cyclone
As Odisha started evacuation of residents, the state braces for the effects of a super cyclone. This is the first time after 1999 that a super cyclone has formed over Bay of Bengal
FollowBhubaneswar: Cyclone Amphan intensified into a super cyclonic storm on Monday and is likely to move across the northeast Bay of Bengal. Reportedly, it will cross the West Bengal and Bangladesh coasts between Digha and the Hatia island on May 20.
"Amphan" (pronounced UM-PN) that had turned into an extremely severe cyclonic storm gathered more strength over the Bay of Bengal while moving slowly towards the coast. It has now intensified further into a super cyclonic storm, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
It is likely to move north-northeastwards and fast across the northwest Bay of Bengal and cross the West Bengal and Bangladesh coasts between Digha and the Hatia island as a very severe cyclonic storm, the department said.
This has raised the likelihood of heavy rains and high-velocity winds in coastal Odisha and the state government has initiated the process of evacuating people from vulnerable areas. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea till May 21, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) PK Jena said.
