Cyclone Amphan within 125-175 km of Odisha & WB coasts; landfall forecast post-afternoon

Super Cyclone Amphan has moved North-Northeastwards and is likely to cross West Bengal-Bangladesh coast between Digha and Hatiya close to Sunderbans during the afternoon-evening on Wednesday. The cyclone is expected to make landfall with a wind speed of 155-165 kmph gusting to 185 kmph, the India Metrological Department (IMD) informed.

Cyclone Amphan centered as an 'extremely severe cyclonic storm' over the Northwest of Bay of Bengal at 9.30 am on Wednesday. The Cyclonic storm was about 123 KM East-Southeast of Paradip, Odisha, 177 KM of South-Southeast of Digha and 328 KM of West- Southwest of Khepupara (Bangladesh), IMD informed.

NDRF teams deployed

As cyclone Amphan is expected to make landfall, Ninteen teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in West Bengal. "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," Nishit Upadhyay, NDRF 2nd Battalion Commandant said.

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Om Birla speaks to MPs

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday spoke to Members of Parliament of areas that could be affected by Cyclone Amphan. He urged them to be in touch with the people of their areas proactively and guide them about the arrangements being made by the agencies concerned. 

READ | Power, Telecom Ministry lay down plan of action, control room to deal with Cyclone Amphan

3 lakh people evacuated so far

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has stated that more than three lakh people have been evacuated from coastal areas of the state in order to prevent loss of human life due to Cyclone Amphan. She stated that all steps had been taken in order to ensure minimal damage.

READ | Cyclone Amphan Live Updates: 41 NDRF teams on standby; Odisha & Bengal brace for landfall

(With agency inputs)