The Indian Meteorological Institute warns that the cyclone will generate waves higher than the rooftops in some areas.
The cyclone has already taken two lives and destroyed homes in strong winds and rain in the states of Odisha and West Bengal, before it hit land on Wednesday morning.
The Indian Meteorological Institute describes the cyclone as very serious. It has a wind speed of between 36 and 39 meters per second, with gusts measuring up to 43 meters per second, the institute stated early Wednesday.
Meteorologists also say that more than 17 centimeters of rain has fallen in Chandabali and the Paradip regions of Odisha state since Tuesday, and tidal waves of up to 4 meters are likely to flood some low-lying areas.
Streams to the house of terror
Air and train traffic stopped
A tornado tore up several trees and destroyed power lines on Tuesday. The power took the lives of two people and caused damage to 40 houses in West Bengal. At least 20 districts in the state are expected to be affected by the storm.
The airport in Kolkata is closed until Wednesday evening, and train traffic has been stopped.
Last week, more than 140 people died when the cyclone Tauktae hit land on the west coast.
– It’s a tragedy
Several challenges at the same time
Extreme weather is affecting the country during the corona pandemic.
– We have to meet both challenges at the same time, says Odisha’s Prime Minister Naveen Patnaik, who encourages people who are moved to evacuation centers to wear double bandages and maintain social distance. At the same time, he asks people not to panic.
One year ago, the strongest cyclone in over ten years hit the eastern part of India. Nearly 100 people died when Amphan destroyed villages and agricultural areas.
– We have not been able to repair the damage to our home from the previous cyclone. Now comes a new cyclone. How are we going to be able to be here? asks Samitri, who uses only one name.
Cyclones are becoming more frequent and more severe in the northern Indian Ocean as climate change warms the ocean, destroying coastal communities, according to researchers.
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