KATHMANDU: Mountain flights, highland trekkers and mountain climbers in Nepal are likely to be affected due to cyclone Fani today and tomorrow, the Meteorological Forecasting Division has warned.
According to Bibhuti Pokharel, a meteorologist at the Division, strong windstorm rising from the Bay of Bengal is rushing towards Bangladesh via Indian State of Odisha. It may impact in Nepal too, though minor, when it makes landfall in the Himalayan nation.
According to Pokharel, it may affect Kathmandu and Nepal’s mountainous region. Hence, mountain climbers, trekkers, flights are advised to take precautionary measures.
Cyclone Fani wreaks havoc in India’s Odisha
Cyclone Fani hit the Indian state of Odisha wreaking havoc, Indian media reports said.
With wind speed over 240-250 kmph, the storm accompanied by heavy rainfall, uprooted trees, ransacked windows panes along the eastern coastline. The cyclone is gradually taking a nasty turn, becoming one of the fiercest cyclones that have hit India.
Villages in the state have been inundated. Several houses have collapsed in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district, and several are partially damaged, reports said quoting officials. No human casualties have been reported so far.
Large swathes of Odisha’s Puri have been submerged in water. Several thatched structures have been destroyed at some places, including Bhubaneswar.
According to officials at India Meteorological Department (IMD), heavy to very heavy rains are continuing over Odisha coast. The storm is likely to move towards West Bengal coast, which is already receiving heavy rainfall. West Bengal has also declared holiday at most public institutes.
Meanwhile, authorities said over 11 lakh people have already been evacuated from Odisha and the neighboring states along the eastern coastline. People living in low-lying areas of the coastal areas have been shifted to other shelters. Over 4000 shelters have been made to accommodate those displaced in Odisha.
Reports said Navy aircraft have been put on standby in Visakhapatnam of Andhra Pradesh for relief distribution requirements and to carry out damage assessment. (With inputs from Agencies)
Comment