Cyclone Yaas Latest Updates: Cyclonic Storm Hits Odisha & West Bengal

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said that the very severe cyclonic storm, Yaas that made landfall in Odisha today morning, is now crossing the coast to the south of Balasore.  

Cyclone Likely to Leave Odisha by the Midnight 

IMD DG Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said that Cyclone Yaas is crossing the Odisha border, south of Balasore.  

He said, “It will reach Jharkhand tomorrow morning. It caused heavy to extremely heavy rain in Odisha in the last 24 hours. North Odisha & Coastal Odisha expected to receive extremely heavy rain today. And Bihar, sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim are expected to receive isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall today.”  

“The wind will slow down by the evening and the cyclone is likely to leave Odisha for Jharkhand by midnight,” said Odisha’s Special Relief Commissioner PK Jena. 

Bihar Government Deployed 22 NDRF & SDRF Teams 

The Meteorological Department has also predicted heavy rainfall in Bihar with strong winds at the speed of 80 to 100 kmph.  

The Bihar government has deployed 22 teams of NDRF & SDRF in the districts adjacent o West Bengal and Jharkhand. The Meteorological Department has alerted people of Bihar to stay away from open areas and tress. 

Rescue Operations by Army Teams in West Bengal 

In West Bengal, Indian Army teams are carrying out rescue and relief operations. And have rescued large number of people in Howrah. Along with this, logistics and medical aids are being extended to the locals.  

Flight Operations Suspended 

The Airport Authority of India said that Bhubaneshwar Airport will remain shut till 5 am on Thursday. And flight operations at Kolkata will be suspended from 8:30 am to 7:45 pm today.  

Also, an official mentioned that over 3 lakh people have been evacuated from low-lying areas in Odisha. Cyclone Yaas has already caused damage to homes and two deaths. Odisha police mentioned that even in this Cyclone Yaas situation, the transportation of liquid medical oxygen continues.