Cyclone Fani has slammed into India’s eastern coastline, according to the country’s Meteorological Department.
Heavy rain has been reported in the eastern state of Orissa, also called Odisha, which is directly in the path of the storm.
The tourist town of Puri and neighbouring areas are experiencing winds with a speed of 175 km/h (108mph), which may go up to 200 km/h.
Officials say there are no casualties.
However flooding has been reported from several areas, and reports are coming in of trees falling and roofs of buildings being destroyed.
More than a million people have been evacuated from Orissa and moved to shelters while several neighbouring states have also been put on high alert.
The cyclone is expected to hit 15 districts in Orissa, apart from Puri, which is home to the 858-year-old Jagannath temple.
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Numerous flights and train services in and out of the state have been cancelled, while schools and government offices are shut.
Operations at three ports on India’s eastern coast have been shut down.
The state and federal governments have swung into action – naval warships and helicopters have been moved to the state and are on standby with medical teams and relief material. The country’s National Disaster Response Force, NDRF, has also sent several teams there.
Cyclone Fani will be the fourth storm to hit India’s east coast in the last three decades.
The state’s most deadly cyclone on record took place in 1999, killing almost 10,000 people.
India’s National Disaster Management Authority has warned people along the east coast, especially fishermen, not to go out to sea because the conditions are “phenomenal”.
BBC
