Bhuvaneshwar, May 03, 2019 : The rescue and relief agencies in Odisha are on high alert in view of Cyclone Fani. The landfall process of the extremely severe cyclone began nearly at 8 am on Friday close to Puri in Odisha, winds blowing at a maximum speed of 240-245 km per hour and heavy to very heavy rains are continuing over the coastal areas, the IMD said Zeenews reported.
After landfall, the impact is likely to reduce and it is likely to move towards West Bengal coast, the IMD confirmed.
Over 11.5 lakh people in vulnerable, low-lying areas of 13 districts are being shifted to cyclone shelters.
The railways have already suspended operations of trains in Odisha and all trains in Bhadrak-Vizianagaram section (of the Kolkata-Chennai route) has been cancelled till Saturday. A total of 140 trains including 83 passenger trains have been cancelled so far.