Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm Fani, which is approaching the Odisha coast, has turned into an “extremely severe cyclonic” storm, the Navy said late last night. The state has been put on a “yellow alert” by the weather department. The Election Commission has lifted the model code of conduct in the coastal districts of the state to ensure that the state is prepared to face Fani. The Navy, the National Disaster Response Force and the Coast Guard are on high alert. The Met department has issued a “yellow warning” for the Odisha coast predicting heavy to very heavy rain in several areas. Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh too are on high alert. Odisha’s 879 multipurpose cyclone shelters have been kept ready. The shelters can accommodate about one million people during cyclones and floods.
Here are the live updates on Fani:
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik says about eight lakh people would be evacuated in view of “extremely severe” cyclonic storm Fani, which is likely to hit the coast in Puri on May 3 afternoon.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, he directed to ensure 100 per cent evacuation in the vulnerable areas as every life is precious, and set the goal to achieve zero-casualty.
He said about eight lakh people would be evacuated to safer places by Thursday evening.
“I appeal to everyone that the children, women, old and disabled be evacuated first. All precautions have been taken to face the cyclone. We are fully prepared to tackle the cyclone Fani,” says Mr Patnaik.
Due to Cyclone Fani, 22 more trains have been cancelled by East Coast Railway. A total of 103 trains have been cancelled so far,as report says.
