India/Bangladesh: Train disruptions persist as Fani recover efforts continue May 6 /update 9

Event

Transportation disruptions persist in areas of India as of Monday, May 6, following the passage of Tropical Cyclone Fani. Odisha state, particularly in and around Puri, experienced the worst of the storm and damage to railroads in the area has forced the cancelation of nearly 300 trains until at least Friday, May 10. Routes that are affected include trains to Puri and the Bhubaneswar-New Delhi route. Most other routes in the region, including most services to Bhubaneswar and the Howrah-Chennai line, resumed service on Sunday, May 5.

At least 50 people died from the storm, 33 in India's Odisha state and another 17 in Bangladesh. At least 63 people were injured in Bangladesh and 300 in India. Power and telecommunication outages affecting 3 million people have also been reported, primarily near Puri and Bhubaneswar, and thousands of people have been displaced. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to arrive in Odisha to survey damage on Monday, May 6, and localized disruptions and increased security is possible during his visit. Overall, recovery efforts will continue in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal states as well as Bangladesh.

Advice

Individuals in affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate severe weather conditions and associated disruptions to the power supply, telecommunications, and transportation, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.