India/Bangladesh: Cyclone Fani makes landfall in Odisha state May 3 /update 5

Event

Tropical Cyclone Fani made landfall along the Puri coast (Odisha state) at approximately 08:00 (local time) on Friday, May 3. The storm brought maximum wind speeds up to 240-245 kph (149-152 mph) in Puri as it moved north-northeast up the coast towards West Bengal. Intense rain and strong winds impacted Bhubaneswar, Ganjam, Puri, and in Srikakulam (Andhra Pradesh state) district. Trees were uprooted in Bhubaneswar and some buildings were destroyed by the winds. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) lowered the warning for Andhra Pradesh state at approximately 12:00 after the storm moved out of the area. According to the IMD, Fani is expected to weaken to winds speeds of 150-160 kph (93-99 mph) by 15:00 as it moves up the coast.

Significant transportation disruptions are ongoing in Odisha state and West Bengal, including in Kolkata. Authorities suspended operations at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata from 15:00 on Friday until 08:00 on Saturday, May 4. Flight operations at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), which services Bhubaneswar, were also suspended for 24-hours starting on 00:01 on Friday. East Coast Railway (ECoR) officials previously canceled 147 trains in the region through May 3 as a precaution. Further rail, road, and flight disruptions are possible in the coming hours. Details regarding damages and casualties have not yet been released. Further information is expected to be released in the coming hours as rescue efforts begin.

Fani is expected to continue moving north-northeast into Bangladesh and impact Khulna and other southwestern coastal regions by midnight on May 3. Storm surge warnings have been issued for the districts of Chattogong, Noakhall, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Borguna, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barishal, Pirozpur, Jhalokathi, Bagherhat, Khulna, and Satkhira. Officials warned that the abovementioned districts may experience a storm surge of up to 1.2-1.5 m (4-5 ft) above normal tide. Heavy rain and damaging winds are expected to impact the area through May 4.

Advice

Individuals in the abovementioned areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid oceangoing activities, anticipate severe weather, including heavy rain, damaging winds, and possible flooding, and associated disruptions to power, telecommunications, and transportation, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.