Cyclone Fani is one of the strongest storms to approach India in recent memory and is in the direct path of 100 million people. The barrelling storm is expected to empty 12 inches of rain on the east coast, where low-lying areas are at risk. Officials evacuated one million people in preparation for landfall, and thousands are expected to be impacted by the fierce winds and heavy rains.
Where is Cyclone Fani now?
In the latest typhoon update, Cyclone Fani was located 205 nautical miles southwest of Kolkata.
Cyclone Fani struck the east coast of Odisha at Puri on Friday at 8am with strong 118mph winds.
The storm is classed as an Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm, and gusts are measuring at 124mph.
Two people have died and more are at risk as Fani cuts off vital power supplies.
In the Atlantic ocean, this is the equivalent of a category 3 (major) hurricane, which has the power to damage even the most well-built homes.
Damage in India is “extensive”, according to local officials.
Odisha Special Relief Commissioner Bishnupada Sethi told Reuters power lines and supplies were damaged as Fani made landfall.
Bimal Pandia, an officer with the charity Oxfam told The Guardian: “There is no one on the roads and there cannot be.”
“It is quite serious now; the wind is blowing at between 120 and 150kmh.
“Many trees have been uprooted outside our house, but since we are not able to venture outside it’s difficult to tell the damage.”
Cyclone Fani has formed during India’s cyclone season, which typically lasts from April to December each year.
As such, the country was well-prepared for the storm to make landfall, and emergency services are on high alert.
Nikhil Kumar, CNN’s New Delhi Bureau Chief said: “There are thousands of personnel involved. The navy is involved — they are on very high alert.
“They have ships waiting in the area with additional materials if need be.”
Cyclone Fani is expected to weaken as it moves north-east towards Kolkata – one of India’s most densely populated cities.
After this, the storm will move towards Bangladesh.