This Article is From Oct 17, 2013

Cyclone Phailin: Rescue and relief operations underway


Oct 17, 2013 13:42 (IST)
State - Odisha
Abstract of Status Report on Cyclone "PHAILIN" followed by Flood
[As on Dt.17/10/2013] : 10.00 AM
Sl.Name of the districtsBlocks Affected (Nos.)GPs Affected (Nos.)Villages  Affected (Nos.)ULB Affected (Nos.)Population Affected (Nos.) due to flood & cycloneHuman Casulaty due to cycloneHuman Casulaty due to floodCrop area affected (in hect.)Person evacuated due to cyclonePerson evacuated due to floodCattle evacuated  Houses Damaged
1234567891011121314
1Angul8 589  11    2829
2Balasore111251725434877835678004185126842 2771
3Bhadrak6521791145000114397448202 5040 
4Bolangir5  1 1 35000   119
5Cuttack  800 1553722  19950114306 722510174
6Gajapati712915282480300  2114036960 2515000
7Ganjam22475281218150200010 216100180000 4221230000
8Jagatsinghpur8186123029000001 12650101457 90284883
9Jajpur1028018132630000  1412891131690010883843
10Kandhamal1045124113310 130213310  6210
11Kendrapara9230159221445891 11383559550 973 
12Keonjhar13 263 65123 13253011825  12569
13Khurda10151355222347061149359185291 258642131
14Koraput2 19     3860   
15Mayurbhanj11687372342260 552000 37341  
16Nayagarh818015822984000  3434031565 5624808
17Puri112301769417509753155160102000 82063715
TOTAL1512015181174312396065211766826898364217108331062419052
*Casualty of large animal - 1487, small animal - 2906 and birds - 170970, Carcass disposal completed            
*5.7 tons of dry food air dropped            
Oct 15, 2013 18:26 (IST)
Update on relief operations:

1.2 crore people in 16,000 villages affected
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik does aerial survey of affected districts
Balasore, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj districts affected
Over 75,000 people still marooned in Balasore and Jajpur districts
Standing crops in over six lakh hectares destroyed
Over three lakh houses damaged due to floods and cyclone
Over 11 lakh evacuated in all
Water level receding in Budhabalang in Balasore
Food packets are being air-dropped
Relief to be sent by boats to flood-hit areas

Oct 15, 2013 18:16 (IST)
National Disaster Response Force on rescue operations:

        Odisha:
  • NDRF teams have cleared 1096 kms of road by removing 937 fallen trees. Around 45electric poles also cleared.
  • Most of the important roads opened and made motorable 
  • Total 83 persons were rescued from Kavitri mandal, Ganjam and Jagatsinghpur
  • Total 1015 persons were rescued from district Balasore, Odisha
  • Total 49 persons evacuated  and shifted to safer places from villages- Alipur and Patharagara in district Ganjam
  • Total 230 persons were rescued from district Mayurbhanj in Odisha
  • Total 20 persons were rescued from district Keonjhar in Odisha
  • Total 5 persons were rescued from district Jajpur, Odisha
  • Total 120 persons rescued from Raghunathpur and Banki area of district Cuttack
  • 14 Quintal relief material distributed in district Balasore and Ganjam
  • NDRF teams distributed food packets to 400 persons at Behram, district Ganjam

    Bihar and Jharkhand:
  • 4 NDRF teams are prepositioned  at Supaul, Sitamarhi ,Darbhanga and Gopalganj in connection with prevailing flood like situation
  • 2  NDRF teams are prepositioned at Jamsedpur and Dhanbad
  • 2 Teams of NDRF are prepositioned at Bhara/Nariyal/ collectriate Ghat, Patna and Purnia
  • 2  NDRF teams are being kept as reserve at Supaul.

Oct 15, 2013 18:04 (IST)
Prime Minister's Statement on Cyclone Phailin
 
The Prime Minister reviewed the impact of Cyclone Phailin and the damage caused by it in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and other areas.
 
The Prime Minister is relieved to learn that, even though Cyclone Phailin was a very severe cyclonic storm, the loss of life has been contained to a very large extent because of the preventive measures taken in advance.  However, the Prime Minister noted with distress the extensive damage to property, crops and livestock that has resulted from the cyclone.  The Prime Minister expressed his sympathies for those who have lost their near and dear ones or have lost their houses, crops or livestock.
 
The Prime Minister complimented the efforts of the state authorities, district and police administration in all the affected districts, relief workers at the state and district levels, the officers and staff of the National Disaster Management Authority, the National Disaster Relief Force and the Indian Meteorological Department, for the preventive measures they took which resulted in containing the effects of the cyclone on human life.
 
The Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia assistance of Rs.2,00,000 to the next of kin of each of the deceased and Rs.50,000 to those seriously injured in the cyclone, from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.

Oct 15, 2013 17:15 (IST)

Villagers protest on road from Bhubaneswar to Bhanjanagar demanding relief. Roads have been blocked with tree trunks. A sub divisional collector was also present.

Oct 14, 2013 22:48 (IST)
Cyclone Phailin shifts to Jharkhand, to weaken to a low pressure
After leaving a trail of destructions and keeping the state administration on its toes for over a week, the cyclone Phailin has finally left Odisha and shifted to neighbouring Jharkhand as a depression, Met office sources said.
Oct 14, 2013 22:06 (IST)
Over two lakh marooned due to floods in Odisha, situation 'critical'
Heavy rains in the aftermath of Cyclone Phailin, which struck the Odisha coast over the weekend and has since dissipated, has triggered massive floods in several districts in the state. Over 2.5 lakh people have been marooned in Balasore, which along with Mayurbhanj, are the worst-hit.
Oct 14, 2013 18:55 (IST)
  • 10,000 people stranded in floods in Ganjam in Odisha
  • Three villages completely cut off
  • Rivers Baramadi and Nohrakhandi are in spate, water receding slowly
  • Local MLA P Swain says Army and Air Force need to be called in
Oct 14, 2013 17:55 (IST)
Cyclone Phailin forces Railways to cancel, reschedule trains
The South Eastern Railway today cancelled the Howrah-Puri Weekly Express, and rescheduled or diverted some other train services following the cyclonic storm Phailin which threw train traffic out of gear since Saturday.
Oct 14, 2013 16:44 (IST)
A part of National Highway between Kolkata and Chennai has been blocked by villagers after several villages on this route were submerged due to Cyclone Phailin and also water being released from a nearby dam.
Oct 14, 2013 14:42 (IST)
Jaipal Reddy, Minister of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences:
  • The severe cyclone was predicted exactly, the track, the intensity were predicted exactly. These predictions warn people.
  • The 16-17 people who died were caught in post cyclone accidents, they didn't die during the cyclone. 
  • Nearly a million people were evacuated. Mostly in Odisha.
  • In terms of the numbers involved in the evacuations, this is a world record. ‎This is because we made strategic investments in our Met dept. Though it was only 750 cr.
  • The ability of our Met department to accurately predict even rains has improved. It's a blessing for farmers. 
  • Our nation can congratulate itself. No other South Asian country has the kind of equipment we do. If we make more investments, we can be equal to the best in the world. 
  • I'd like to congratulate the staff, thank the Home Ministry. The state administrations did a very good job too
 

Oct 14, 2013 13:59 (IST)
Update on transportation services:
  • Khudra road, Berhampur, Palasa, Srikakulam, and Visakhapatnam routes opened for traffic
  • Train services to south India and Mumbai from Bhubaneswar fully restored


Oct 14, 2013 13:51 (IST)
Cyclone Phailin leaves a trail of destruction

An unprecedented and timely evacuation drive, said to be biggest ever in India, ensured minimum casualties as Cyclone Phailin slammed into coastal Odisha.

Oct 14, 2013 12:46 (IST)
Odisha Flood Relief Updates
  • People stranded near Chandipur in Odisha
  • 15,000 food packets to be dropped
  •  4 Mi-17 helicopters pressed into service for flood relief
Oct 14, 2013 12:10 (IST)
The Deep Depression over Jharkhand and adjoining areas of north Chhattisgarh and Odisha moved slightly north-northeastwards and weakened into a depression. The system will move north-northeastwards and weaken gradually into a well marked low pressure area by today evening: IMD
Oct 14, 2013 09:21 (IST)

One column of army engineers deployed at 11 PM yesterday night for flood relief 100 west of Ganja. Rivers like Mahanadi and Subernarekha are in spate. 

Oct 14, 2013 08:31 (IST)
CYCLONE PHAILIN'S LAST UPDATED POSITION:

Time of issue: 0230 hours IST Dated: 14-10-2013

Bulletin No.: BOB 04/2013/42

Subject: Cyclonic Storm 'PHAILIN' remained as deep depression over north Chhattisgarh and
adjoining Jharkhand.

The cyclonic storm, PHAILIN remained as deep depression over north Chhattisgarh and adjoining areas of Odisha & Jharkhand and moved northwards with a speed of 16 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centred at 2330 hours IST of 13 th October 2013 over Jharkhand and adjoining north Chhattisgarh near latitude 23.5 0 N and longitude 83.8 0 E, 70 km north-east of Ambikapur & 60 km southeast of Daltonganj. The system would move north-northeastwards during next 6-12 hours and weaken gradually into a depression.

Estimated track and intensity of the system are given in the Table below:

Date/Time (IST)           Position                Sustained maximum surface             Category
                              (Lat. 0 N/ Long. 0 E)       wind speed (kmph)

13-10-2013/2330         23.5/83.8           40-50 gusting to 60                     Deep Depression
14-10-2013/0530         24.0/84.3           35-45 gusting to 55                     Depression
14-10-2013/1130         24.7/84.6           25-35 gusting to 45      Well Marked Low Pressure Area

Warning for Jharkhand, Bihar, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim

Heavy rainfall: Rainfall at many places with isolated heavy to very heavy falls would occur over Bihar, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim during next 36 hours and in Jharkhand during next 24 hours.

Rainfall at many places with isolated heavy falls would occur over north Chhattisgarh and interior Odisha during next 12 hrs.

Squally wind: Squally wind speed of 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph would prevail around system centre during next 6 hours and would gradually decrease thereafter.
Oct 14, 2013 07:54 (IST)
Cyclone Phailin moves inland, flood threats in Chhattisgarh, Bihar
With Cyclone Phailin moving further inland, there is flood threat in Mayurbhanj and Baripada districts of Odisha and neighbouring states of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar.
Oct 13, 2013 23:46 (IST)
Cyclone Phailin kills 23, mass evacuations save thousands
An unprecedented evacuation drive, said to be the country's biggest ever, ensured minimum casualties as Cyclone Phailin slammed into coastal Odisha on Saturday. 23 people, including 2 in neighbouring Andhra, have died in the aftermath of the "very severe" storm, which has since weakened.
Oct 13, 2013 22:34 (IST)
Cyclone Phailin: Kaviti, one of the worst hit in Andhra Pradesh
Though Andhra Pradesh suffered one cyclone related death, the destruction has been immense. For Saralamma, a widow and mother of two, life has almost come to a standstill with her house collapsing due to the strong winds.
Oct 13, 2013 22:31 (IST)
Cyclone Phailin: India's biggest evacuation op ever
There's minimal loss of life in Cyclone Phailin after 9 lakh people are evacuated in 36 hours following the Met dept's accurate forecast. We debate: Has India's disaster preparedness finally come of age?
Oct 13, 2013 21:18 (IST)
Cyclone 'Philian' weakens further, turns into "deep depression" with wind speed of 45-55 kmph: Met department
Oct 13, 2013 20:12 (IST)
PM monitoring post-cyclone situation closely, focus now on restoration of road, power, rail links: Cabinet Secretary
Oct 13, 2013 20:08 (IST)
PM monitoring post-cyclone situation closely, focus now on restoration of road, power, rail links: Cabinet Secretary
Oct 13, 2013 20:05 (IST)
First priority was to save precious lives: Odisha Chief Minister to NDTV
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said that his government's "first priority was to save precious human lives and to a great extent we have achieved that". He also thanked the entire state administration as well as the Navy and Army for mounting the mammoth rescue and relief operations.
Oct 13, 2013 18:38 (IST)
M Shashidhar Reddy, Vice Chiarman, National Disaster Management Authority :

  • IMD has done an excellent job
  • Great coordination between various agencies
  • Cyclone currently near Odisha-Chhattisgarh border
  • Wind speeds of 55-65 kmph gusting upto 75 kmph for the next six hours
  • Thereafter, winds speeds will come down to 40-50 kmph
  • Very heavy rains predicted in Bihar on 14th & 15th
  • NDRF on stand-by for any flood situation in Bihar
  • Cyclone will move to Bihar after crossing Bihar, and rains there will most likely flood the Kosi river coming to Bihar
  • 13 deaths in Odisha and one death reported in Andhra Pradesh, have been able to... (keep) the death toll to a bare minimum
  • Out of these deaths, six happened day before yesterday due to trees falling in Ganjam district in Odisha
Oct 13, 2013 18:35 (IST)
Cyclone Phailin: work to restore damaged infrastructure starts
With the intensity of Cyclone Phailin subsiding, steps to restore snapped communication lines, power transmission and rebuild damaged infrastructure in coastal belt of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh started today.
Oct 13, 2013 18:26 (IST)
Coast Guard rescue operations update:

Coast Guard ship Samudra Paheredar, Vajra out at sea
Three Dorniers deployed
18 stranded fisherman rescued at Paradip
Third Dornier sortie on
Oct 13, 2013 16:51 (IST)
Crew of missing cargo ship located, no casualties reported
Crew members of the MV Bingo, a China-bound merchant vessel which lost contact with the ground staff after Cyclone Phailin struck coastal Odisha on Saturday evening, have been located. All 20 crew members reported to be safe.
Oct 13, 2013 16:43 (IST)
Cyclone Phailin: Train services restored between Howrah and Puri
With cyclone Phailin losing its intensity, the East Coast Railway today restored train services between Howrah and Puri.
Oct 13, 2013 16:24 (IST)
  • Crew of MV Bingo, that went missing after Cyclone Phailin struck, located; no casualties reported
  • Coast Guard vessels are bringing back the crew to Haldia port , will reach by tomorrow morning
  • Ship hasn't been located
Oct 13, 2013 16:12 (IST)
Review meeting by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik ends:

(1)12 districts, 89 tehsils, 14,514 villages affected
     No major physical casualty
     8,73,646 evacuated
     Five lakh hectares of crops affected
     Damage basically to power lines and communication
     10 Army columns in position, Army columns at Berhampur assisting in road opening, others on stand by

(2) Four Army columns in position in Andhra Pradesh, two Army columns assisting in road opening at Tekkali Srikakulam

(3) 55 columns on standby outside affected areas

Oct 13, 2013 15:35 (IST)
Heavy rainfall in Odisha for next 24 hours, says Met department
Odisha would receive heavy rainfall for the next 24 hours in the wake of cyclonic storm Phailan, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said today.
Oct 13, 2013 13:46 (IST)

Oct 13, 2013 13:41 (IST)
Cyclone Phailin: Heavy rains lash Jharkhand
Heavy rains today lashed Jharkhand following the "peripheral effect" of cyclone Phailin, now centred in neighbouring Odisha, and more rains have been forecast in the state till tomorrow.
Oct 13, 2013 13:40 (IST)
Railway services on east coast come to a halt
The tropical cyclone Phailin, that pounded coastal Odisha and Andhra Pradesh last night, destroyed railway signals and high-tension electricity wires and uprooted tracks and railway platforms at various stations, bringing the rail services in the region to a halt.
Oct 13, 2013 13:37 (IST)
18 fishermen trapped in trawler near Paradip return home
Eighteen fishermen, who were trapped in a trawler near Paradip ahead of Cyclone Phailin, have returned safely today.
Oct 13, 2013 13:07 (IST)
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Cyclone Phailin:



  • We faced a very severe cyclonic storm in the state yesterday
  • I thank all of you for honouring my request. With your co-operation we were successful in ensuring and minimising the loss of human life
  • Memories of the 1999 super cyclone still fresh
  • This is the country's biggest evacuation operation
  • I thank the selfless efforts made my government servants
  • Impact of the cyclone will of course die down with the passage of time, and normalcy will soon return
  • Our top priority was to save lives and I think we've been successful
  • Now rehabilitation is a big challenge as properties to the tune of several crores have been lost
Oct 13, 2013 12:42 (IST)



Oct 13, 2013 12:35 (IST)
Latest IMD bulletin on Cyclone Phailin

Bulletin No.: BOB 04/2013/38 (CORRECTED)

Subject: Very Severe Cyclonic Storm 'PHAILIN' over Odisha

The very severe cyclonic storm, PHAILIN over Odisha moved north-northwestwards during past 6 hours with a speed of 20 kmph, weakened into a severe cyclonic storm and lay centred at 0830 hrs IST of 13th October 2013 over Odisha near latitude 21.0 0 N and longitude 84.0 0 E, about 50 km south of Sambalpur. The system would move north- northwestwards and weaken gradually into a cyclonic storm by noon of today and into a deep depression by evening of today.

Estimated track and intensity of the system are given in the table below:

Date/Time(IST)            Position                Sustained maximum surface                Category
                                 (Lat. 0N/Long. 0E)       wind speed (kmph)

13-10-2013/0830       21.0/84.0           100-110 gusting to 120               Severe Cyclonic Storm
13-10-2013/1130       21.4/83.8           80-90 gusting to 100                   Cyclonic Storm
13-10-2013/1730       22.2/83.4           50-60 gusting to 70                     Deep Depression
13-10-2013/2330       23.5/83.0           40-50 gusting to 60                     Depression
14-10-2013/0530       23.8/82.6           35-45 gusting to 55                     Depression

Warning for Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal

Heavy rainfall: Rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy falls at a few places and isolated extremely heavy falls (≥ 25 cm) would occur over Odisha during next 24 hrs and isolated heavy falls during subsequent 24 hrs. Rainfall at most places with isolated heavy to very heavy falls would occur over north Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, & Sikkim during next 48 hrs.
Gale wind: Gale wind speed of 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph prevailing at 0830 hrs IST would gradually decrease to 80-90 kmph by noon and further to 50- 60 kmph by evening of today over Odisha. Wind speed reaching 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph winds prevail over adjoining areas of north Chattisgarh and Jharkhand during next 12 hrs and gradually decrease thereafter.

Damage expected over Odisha: Extensive damage to kutcha houses. Partial disruption of power and communication lines. Disruption of rail and road traffic. Potential threat from flying debris.

Flooding of escape routes. Extensive damage to agricultural crops.

State of Sea: It will be very high along & off Odisha coast and very rough to high along & off north Andhra Pradesh and very rough along & off West Bengal coast during next 12 hours.

Action suggested: Fishermen are advised not to venture into sea along north Andhra Pradesh,
Odisha and West Bengal coast during next 24 hours. Judicious regulation of rail and road traffic in vulnerable areas. People in affected areas to remain indoors.
Oct 13, 2013 12:26 (IST)
PK Mahapatra, Special Relief Commissioner, Odisha on latest situation:

  • Phailin has crossed much over into the interior area and will cross our state by evening
  • 8,73,000 people have been evacuated so far and there are seven casualties
  • Whatever we have tried we have reached our goal
  • The next task is clearing roads, restore water supply and electricity and that will be done by evening
  • There is no need to air drop relief materials but still, choppers are on stand-by
Oct 13, 2013 11:40 (IST)
NDTV's Hridayesh Joshi, who is in Paradip, tweeted this picture:


Oct 13, 2013 11:40 (IST)

Oct 13, 2013 11:14 (IST)
Dr LS Rathore, Director General, Indian Meteorological Department on rescue operations:

  • There seems to be a zero loss of life
  • We combated this severe cyclonic storm under NDMA
  • Forecast has been quite correct and very long time was given right from the cyclone's inception, both in terms of track and intensity
  • Time and place of landfall which is most crucial accurately predicted which helped a lot
  • The cyclone is currently placed at 50 km south of Sambalpur
  • In Odisha, heavy to very heavy rainfall to continue for another 24 hours
  • There is nothing to worry about in Andhra Pradesh
  • Phailin will remain a severe cyclonic storm till noon
  • By evening, it will become a cyclonic storm and by late evening it will become a deep depression
  • In terms of winds, next 12 hours are crucial
  • Winds will blow with a speed of 100-110 kmph gusting upto 120kmph over Odisha
  • It is soon start decreasing and by evening, the windspeed it will be 60-70 kmph
  • The worst in terms of winds is over and rainfall belt is moving as said in the forecast
  • In Bihar, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in the next 48 hours
  • On US warnings: They have been issuing warnings and we have been contradicting them that is all I want to say
  • As a scientist we have our own opinion and we stuck to that. We told them that is what is required as national weather service to keep people informed with the reality without being influenced by over warning
  • Focus will now shift to Jharkhand and Bihar
Oct 13, 2013 10:32 (IST)
JUST IN:

18 stranded fishermen rescued in Paradip
Oct 13, 2013 10:25 (IST)
Krishna Chaudhry, Director General, NDRF on rescue operations:

  • Our teams have been working since before dawn to clear the roads
  • Electricity and communication departments working to restore power and communication lines so that the state administration can reach out to get a real assessment
  • If people are stuck in collapse structures or any other trouble, our teams can reach out to them
  • In two districts of Andhra Pradesh, we got information that about 25-30 people were trapped so our teams were sent this morning
  • More than 50 teams have been working in the two states and three other teams working in West Bengal as well, 20-30 teams on stand-by
  • I think the big fury of the cyclone has passed, people in the cyclone shelters need to be taken back to their place where they make their living so that would be a giant task
Oct 13, 2013 10:00 (IST)
M Shashidhar Reddy, Vice Chairman, NDMA speaks

  • The cyclone that made landfall yesterday evening has gradually weakened and it has moved to the central part of Odisha
  • The system is in the Phulbani area
  • The winds are about 100 km, gusting upto 120 km
  • There will be widespread rain in all over Odisha and parts of Andhra Pradesh
  • On the whole, we are quite satisfied with the evacuation work that was done
  • In Gopalpur, where the cyclone made landfall, almost 90-95% people have been evacuated
Oct 13, 2013 09:14 (IST)
Cyclone Phailin's intensity reduced to 90-100 kmph in Odisha's Gopalpur: NDMA chief M Shashidhar Reddy
Oct 13, 2013 09:08 (IST)
Odisha MP and Biju Janata Dal leader Jay Panda speaks to NDTV:

  • The confirmed casualties are now 7 although there are few more
  • The number is significantly lower than what it could have been because many have been shifted to cyclone relief shelters
  • Severe damage reported in south Odisha, especially Ganjam and Puri
  • In my district (Kendrapara), there is flooding
  • Lot of the roads that have been blocked bring cleared by relief workers
  • Once the wind dies down the air operations will begin
  • The picture that I tweeted was of my team and some volunteers
  • Efforts of Odisha government have been on in full swing for the last few days
  • Doctors, medicines and food have been arranged in vulnerable districts
  • We can be sure that damage is much less, and is connected only to property
  • Relief will also be seen in full swing shortly
  • The casualty figure will change as few places are still cut-off
  • Some of these people have died not because of the cyclone, some others died in the shelters due to old age
  • Power is down even in parts which were not at the centre of the storm
  • We will have a clear picture in the next few hours once communication lines are restored
Oct 13, 2013 09:02 (IST)
Latest IMD bulletin on Cyclone Phailin

Time of issue: 0830 hours IST Dated: 13-10-2013

Bulletin No.: BOB 04/2013/37

Subject: Very Severe Cyclonic Storm 'PHAILIN' over Odisha

The very severe cyclonic storm, PHAILIN over Odisha moved northwards during past 3 hours
with a speed of 20 kmph and lay centred at 0530 hrs IST of 13 th October 2013 over Odisha near latitude 20.0 0 N and longitude 84.5 0 E, close to Phulbani. The system would move northwards for some more time and weaken gradually into a cyclonic storm by noon of today and into a deep depression by evening of today.

Estimated track and intensity of the system are given in the Table below:

Date/Time(IST)           Position                 Sustained maximum surface                 Category
                              (Lat. 0 N/ Long. 0 E)          wind speed (kmph)

13-10-2013/0530         20.5/84.5           130-140 gusting to 150     Very Severe Cyclonic Storm
13-10-2013/1130         21.5/84.5           80-90 gusting to 100         Cyclonic Storm
13-10-2013/1730         22.3/84.8           50-60 gusting to 70           Deep Depression
13-10-2013/2330         23.5/85.2           40-50 gusting to 60           Depression
14-10-2013/0530         24.8/85.7           35-45 gusting to 55           Depression

Warning for Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal

Heavy rainfall: Rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy falls at a few places and isolated extremely heavy falls (≥ 25 cm) would occur over Odisha during next 24 hrs and isolated heavy to very heavy fall during subsequently 24 hrs. Rainfall at most places with isolated heavy to very heavy falls would occur over north coastal Andhra Pradesh during next 24 hours and over Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand & Gangetic West Bengal during next 48 hrs.

Gale wind: Gale wind speed of 130-140 kmph prevailing at 0530 hrs IST would gradually decrease to 80-90 kmph by noon and further to 50- 60 kmph by evening of today over Odisha.

Damage expected over Odisha: Extensive damage to kutcha houses. Partial disruption of power and communication lines. Disruption of rail and road traffic. Potential threat from flying debris. Flooding of escape routes. Extensive damage to agricultural crops.

State of Sea: It will be very high along & off Odisha coast and very rough to high along & off north Andhra Pradesh and very rough along & off West Bengal coast during next 12 hours.

Action suggested: Fishermen are advised not to venture into sea along north Andhra Pradesh,
Odisha and West Bengal coast during next 24 hours. Judicious regulation of rail and road traffic in vulnerable areas. People in affected areas to remain indoors.
Oct 13, 2013 08:20 (IST)
JUST IN:

Govt sources say three deaths reported in Odisha; no casualty from Andhra Pradesh yet. Extensive damage to crops in Odisha's Ganjam district, communication lines down in several parts
Oct 13, 2013 08:10 (IST)
IMD Director Sarat Sahu on Cyclone Phailin's movement:

  • This system is very strong, gradually moving towards northwest
  • It is still in the coastal districts
  • Not getting data from Gopalpur
  • Yesterday, it was completely powered off, some of the walls have collapsed there, communication lines down, no contact
Oct 13, 2013 08:03 (IST)
And the sun comes back at the Ramakrishna Beach in Visakhapatnam (Pic courtesy: Maya Sharma)


Oct 13, 2013 07:58 (IST)
Cyclone Phailin spares Visakhapatnam, morning walkers throng beach
It's Sunday morning in Visakhapatnam. The road above the city's Ramakrishna Beach is full of morning walkers and the fitness conscious. Small fishing boats could be seen out on the waters under a grey sky.
Oct 13, 2013 07:33 (IST)
Ground report from Palasa in Andhra Pradesh from NDTV's Sneha Mary Koshy:

  • The city is coming back to life
  • Last night, it was extremely windy with heavy rains
  • This morning, the rain has stopped and wind has abated
  • No loss of life reporte so far
  • AUthorities say power supply will be restored by evening
Oct 13, 2013 07:29 (IST)
NDTV's Anchal Vohra on the latest situation in Berhampur in Odisha:

  • Lots of cars have stumbled over, trees and electricity poles have been damaged
  • Administration have started to clear streets to restore road connectivity
  • There is no power since last night, say locals
  • Trains have not started functioning
Oct 13, 2013 07:26 (IST)
Coastal Andhra Pradesh escapes cyclone fury, no loss of life reported
As the morning after clears the air, quite literally, it seems the coastal areas in northern Andhra Pradesh managed to escape the fury of Phailin, which prompted India's biggest evacuation in 23 years.
Oct 13, 2013 07:09 (IST)
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) on Odisha situation:

  • NDRF battalion placed in Berhampur has contacted the Headquarters
  • No contact from Gopalpur so far
  • Nature of damage:
              Considerable damage to trees, electricity poles, kache makaan, glass windows
              Concrete constructions seem to have withstood the cyclone
  • Road clearing mechanism is underway
  • No loss of life reported so far
  • mobile communication established till Berhampur
  • Power supply continues to be down in most parts of Odisha
  • Windspeed in down considerably, currently 45-50 kmph at Bhanjanagar and 45 kmph in Bhubaneswar
Oct 13, 2013 06:50 (IST)

Oct 13, 2013 06:40 (IST)
IMD's latest bulletin (issued at 5:30 am):

Subject: Very Severe Cyclonic Storm 'PHAILIN' over Odisha

The very severe cyclonic storm, PHAILIN over south coastal Odisha moved north-northwestwards during past 3 hours with a speed of 20 kmph and lay centred at 0230 hrs IST of 13th October 2013 near latitude 20.00 N and longitude 84.50 E, 90 km northwest of Gopalpur over Odisha. The system would move in north-northwestwards and weaken gradually.

Estimated track and intensity of the system are given in the Table below:

Date/Time(IST)         Position                  Sustained maximum surface     Category
                              (Lat. 0N/ Long. 0E)              wind speed (kmph)

13-10-2013/02:30    20.0/84.5    160-170 gusting to 190                  Very Severe Cyclonic Storm
13-10-2013/05:30    20.5/84.1    80-90 gusting to 100                      Cyclonic Storm
13-10-2013/11:30    21.5/83.5    50-60 gusting to 70                        Deep Depression
13-10-2013/17:30    22.5/83.0    40-50 gusting to 60                        Depression
13-10-2013/23:30    23.5/82.5    35-45 gusting to 55                        Depression


Warning for Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal

(i)Rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy falls at a few places and isolated extremely heavy falls (≥ 25 cm) would occur over Odisha and north coastal Andhra Pradesh during next 36 hrs. Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall would occur over coastal areas of West Bengal during next 36 hrs.

Damage expected over Odisha and adjoining north Andhra Pradesh: Extensive damage to kutcha houses. Some damage to old buildings. Large scale disruption of power and communication lines. Disruption of rail and road traffic due to extensive flooding. Potential threat from flying debris. Flooding of escape routes. Extensive damage to agricultural crops.

Action suggested: Fishermen are advised not to venture into sea along north Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal coast. Total suspension of fishing operations. Large scale evacuation of population from coastal areas. Total suspension of rail and road traffic in vulnerable areas. People in affected areas to remain indoors.

Post landfall outlook: System would weaken gradually into a cyclonic storm while moving north-northwestwards across interior Odisha. Under its influence rainfall at most places with heavy falls at a few places and extremely heavy falls at isolated places would occur over Odisha. Rainfall at many places with isolated heavy to very heavy falls would also occur over north coastal Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.

Oct 13, 2013 06:33 (IST)

Oct 13, 2013 06:18 (IST)
Cyclone Phailin has now moved 200 km inside Odisha. Here's a look at how it is progressing (Source: IMD)


Oct 13, 2013 06:13 (IST)
NDTV's Maya Sharma reports from Vizag:

  • Business is usual, no rains overnight
  • City spared the worst
Oct 13, 2013 06:03 (IST)
Surya Narayan Patra, Disaster Management Minister, Odisha:

  • We've moved more than 5 lakh people to safer places
  • 5-6 people cyclone-related deaths have been reported
  • Though the IMD says wind speeds will come down, I still haven't seen that happening. Wind is still blowing at high speed
  • It's morning, but feels like midnight. There is no power, communication lines are down.
Oct 13, 2013 05:41 (IST)
Two men try to get their motorbike through trees knocked down by heavy rain in Berhampur, Odisha


Oct 13, 2013 05:35 (IST)
Indian Meteorological Department's update on the movement of Cyclone Phailin:

Very Severe Cyclonic Storm 'PHAILIN' over northwest adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal has crossed coast close to Gopalpur (Odisha).

The very severe cyclonic storm, PHAILIN over northwest adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal moved north-northwestwards during past 3 hours with a speed of 15 kmph and crossed Odisha & adjoining north coastal Andhra Pradesh near Gopalpur between 2030 to 2130 IST of 12th October 2013 and lay centred at 2330 hrs IST of 12th longitude 84.80 E, 25 km northwest of Gopalpur over south coastal Odisha. The system would move in north-northwestwards and weaken gradually.

Estimated track and intensity of the system are given in the Table below:

Date              Time (IST)                                        Position

12-10-2013      23:30                 19.5/84.8 200-210 gusting to 230 Very Severe Cyclonic Storm

13-10-2013      05:30               - 20.5/84.1 80-90 gusting to 100 Cyclonic Storm

13-10-2013      11:30              -  21.5/83.5 50-60 gusting to 70 Deep Depression

13-10-2013      17:30             -  22.5/83.0 40-50 gusting to 60 Depression

13-10-2013      23:30              - 23.5/82.5 35-45 gusting to 55 Depression

Oct 13, 2013 05:29 (IST)
NDTV's Tejas Mehta reports from Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh:


  • It's been more than eight hours since Cyclone Phailin made landfall
  • The weather is still squally, winds picking up again
  • Locals say the extent of the damage is not as much as initially believed
  • Mobile connectivity still on
  • Schools turned into relief centres
  • Southern skies have cleared, electricity poles are still erect and fishermen's boats are alright
  • Roads too are open and inundation has decreased
Oct 13, 2013 05:24 (IST)
Cyclone Phailin expected to weaken gradually as it moves North-Northwestwards, says NDMA
Oct 13, 2013 05:21 (IST)
The morning after Cyclone Phailin hit Gopalpur in Odisha, the focus shifts to relief and rescue operations.
Oct 13, 2013 05:20 (IST)
Reports from Paradip, Odisha:

  • Paradip under heavy cyclonic effect, wind blowing at very high speed, heavy downpour continues
  • People remain inside the homes no one can move out
Oct 13, 2013 01:54 (IST)
Cyclone Phailin hits Odisha, high intensity winds in Berhampur
With Cyclone Phailin making landfall in Odisha, high intensity waves are blowing in Berhampur. NDTV's Anchal Vohra gives a first person account of how strong wind howled across hitting closed doors and windows of houses and buildings.
Oct 13, 2013 00:44 (IST)
Cyclone Phailin hits Odisha at wind speed of 200 km per hour; over 7 lakh evacuated
The monster cyclone Phailin, packing heavy rains and destructive winds, hit very close to Gopalpur on the Odisha coast shortly after 9 on Saturday evening, as over seven lakh residents moved inland to shelters in the hope of riding out the dangerous storm.
Oct 13, 2013 00:14 (IST)
Gopalpur, a scenic beach spot under spectre of death
On a bright autumn day, this famous beach in Odisha is a tourists' paradise as the lips feel the salt in the cool breeze from Bay of Bengal and its gentle waves splash at the feet.
Oct 13, 2013 00:12 (IST)
Cyclone Phailin not a super storm, says Met Department
Cyclone Phailin hit the Indian coast, a little south of Gopalpur in Odisha, between 8.30 to 9 pm today at a windspeed of 200 kilometres per hour, Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) officials said in New Delhi.
Oct 12, 2013 23:35 (IST)
Glass, wood, asbestos sheets flew as Cyclone Phailin struck Gopalpur
Broken glass pieces, wood shreds and asbestos sheets flew like killer projectiles in these two adjoining cities, moments after the severe cyclone 'Phailin' slammed into Gopalpur beach.
Oct 12, 2013 23:34 (IST)
Watch: Cyclone Phailin makes landfall with wind speed of 200 km per hour
Cyclone Phailin, packing heavy rains and wind speeds of 200 kilometres per hour, slammed into the coastal town of Gopalpur in Odisha shortly after 9 pm today.
Oct 12, 2013 23:34 (IST)
Over seven lakh evacuated in Odisha, officials on high alert
Cyclone Phailin, packing heavy rains and wind speeds of 200 kilometres per hour, slammed into the coastal town of Gopalpur in Odisha shortly after 9 pm today. Sources in the Chief Minister Office say over 7 lakh people had been evacuated today before the "verey severe" storm struck.
Oct 12, 2013 23:32 (IST)
Cyclone Phailin: no electricity, heavy rain in Bhubaneswar
In Bhubaneswar, the intensity of the rain has gone up since 7 pm and strong winds are blowing.
Oct 12, 2013 23:18 (IST)
Odisha government teams to assess damage in the morning, say sources.
Oct 12, 2013 23:17 (IST)
Government will do everything to stand up to the situation, says Congress president Sonia Gandhi.
Oct 12, 2013 22:53 (IST)
Cyclone Phailin to maintain intensity for next six hours: Met department
Cyclone Phailin, which made landfall with a wind speed of 200 kmph near Gopalpur town in Odisha tonight, is likely to maintain the intensity of a very severe cyclonic storm for six hours, the Met department has said.
Oct 12, 2013 22:36 (IST)
Wind speeds of 240 kilometres per hour reported in Ganjam district of Odisha; buildings damaged, no casualties reported
Oct 12, 2013 22:17 (IST)
Sources in Chief Minister's Office in Odisha say:

  • Wind speed still very high all along coast
  • Sea wave height rise was not as anticipated, it has helped
  • Chief Minister asks teams across the coast to alert through the night and ensure no human movement
  • Exactly 7.2 lakh people along the coast evacuated before 4 pm on Saturday
  • Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to hold a review meeting at 10:30 am on Sunday
  • All district collectors will be present at the review meeting via video-conferencing
  • After meeting, teams will fan out across the affected districts
  • Teams to assess damage and need for relief on Sunday morning
  • State government control room getting reports of flooding in several areas
  • Teams already prepared to tackle flooding
Oct 12, 2013 22:11 (IST)
Cyclone while retreating has a potential of huge damage and everyone should stay indoors and observe all precautions: LS Rathore, Director General, IMD
Oct 12, 2013 22:10 (IST)
  • Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy directs chief secretary and administration to be on high alert
  • Chief Minister also orders commencement of repairs and restoration of electricity, roads, sanitation and drinking water schemes etc.
  • Chief Secretary to review situation in high-level meeting at 10.30 am on Sunday followed by a review meeting by Chief Minister at 12.30 pm
Oct 12, 2013 21:42 (IST)
Five cyclone -related deaths reported today due to wall collapse:
1 in Bhubaneswar
2 in Ganjam
2 in Jagatsinghpur

Reports of several trees being uprooted in Bhubaneswar and the highway connecting Gopalpur, vehicular traffic hit

Oct 12, 2013 21:19 (IST)
IMD chief LS Rathore:

  • Cyclone will take an hour to cross the coast
  • Wind speed of cyclone at time of landfall is 200 km/hr, marginally less than expected
  • Storm surge at landfall is 3-3.5 metres
  • Phailin to remain "very severe" cyclone for six hours after landfall
  • From Gopalpur to Paradip there are gale winds, it (the danger zone) will be around 150 kilometres
  • Heavy to very heavy rainfall reported in Odisha and north
    coastal Andhra Pradesh

Oct 12, 2013 21:15 (IST)
Cyclone Phailin makes landfall near Gopalpur on Odisha coast
Cyclonic storm Phailin, classified as "very severe", has made landfall near Gopalpur in Odisha. The cyclone has prompted the country's biggest evacuation in 23 years with more than 5.5 lakh people moved up from the coastline in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh to safer places.
Oct 12, 2013 20:53 (IST)
Centre ready with choppers, aircraft, ships for rescue
18 helicopters, 12 aircraft and two war ships have been kept ready by the government for rescue and relief operations in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh which are facing the brunt of cyclone 'Phailin'.
Oct 12, 2013 20:20 (IST)
District Collector, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh:

  • Around 62,000 people evacuated and accommodated in 56 relief centres
  • Another 20,000 accommodated in cyclone shelters in upland areas
  • No major incident reported till now
  • 30 people stuck in Vonturu in Kaviti Mandal at a higher level. Special Officer PD DRDA is in touch with them. NDRF team of Rajapuram shall rescue them immediately after the cyclone passes away
Oct 12, 2013 20:10 (IST)
Chhattisgarh issues alert as heavy rains expected
Chhattisgarh government has issued an alert to all its departments in view of the cyclone Phailin which is likely to trigger heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in the area between south Bastar and the capital Raipur.
Oct 12, 2013 20:08 (IST)
A girl runs for shelter in heavy rain brought by Cyclone Phailin in Ichapuram town in Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh

Oct 12, 2013 20:07 (IST)
Storm surge may be 1 metre lower at 2.5 m: Ocean Institute
Oct 12, 2013 20:04 (IST)
Men try to get a motorbike through trees knocked down by heavy rain in Berhampur in Odisha, about 180 kilometres south from state capital of Bhubaneswar.

Oct 12, 2013 19:43 (IST)
Cyclone static and gaining strength less than 40 kms off Gopalpur
Oct 12, 2013 19:42 (IST)
Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde says:

  • Over 5.5 lakh people evacuated in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh
  • Phailin will hit the Gopalpur district in Odisha first,it will affect roads and power services
  • Many people refused to move, have to be convinced
Oct 12, 2013 19:41 (IST)
PM briefed by Cabinet Secretary on arrangements put in place to deal with the cyclone: PMO
Oct 12, 2013 19:18 (IST)
Cyclone Phailin triggers India's biggest evacuation operation in 23 years
Cyclone Phailin, being described as possibly the biggest cyclone ever to hit India, has triggered India's biggest evacuation programme in 23 years, reports said today.
Oct 12, 2013 19:15 (IST)


Oct 12, 2013 19:14 (IST)

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