Cyclone Amphan Live Updates: IMD warns about extensive damage due to high-velocity winds

Amphan cyclone news live updates: The India Meteorological Department said on Monday that Cyclone Amphan has intensified. It has predicted that the severe cyclonic storm would make landfall by Wednesday. It had earlier warned that the cyclone would intensify by Monday. The Ministry of Home Affairs had said on Monday that West Bengal and Odisha coasts would be hit by wind speeds of up to 185 kmph on Wednesday. Fishermen in both the states have been asked to stay away from the coasts till Wednesday. Moreover, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in both the states. The teams are working with the states as well as with their respective disaster management teams. Heavy to extremely heavy rains, wind and tidal waves are expected in the region.

Also read: Cyclone Amphan turns 'extremely severe'; NDRF teams deployed in Bengal, Odisha   

Follow the updates on Cyclone Amphan on the live blog on BusinessToday.In:

2:00 pm: Cyclone Amphan preparedness

Director General of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said that 37 teams have been deployed in Odisha and West Bengal across seven and six districts respectively. Twenty teams have bee deployed and 17 are on standby he said.

1:20 pm: Cyclone Amphan damages

The IMD warned that the high-velocity winds might cause extensive damage to mud houses and partial damage to 'pucca' structures. Bending or uprooting of power and communication poles might also occur as well minor disruption of railways and impact on overhead power lines and signalling systems. There could be widespread damage to standing crops, plantations, orchards too, the IMD said.

1:10 pm: Amit Shah talks about PM Modi's review meet

12:00 pm: Rainfall warning issued by IMD

The IMD has issued rainfall warning for the next four days due to Amphan. Additionally, fishermen have been prohibited from venturing into the South Bay of Bengal region for the next 24 hours. Central Bay of Bengal also has been made out of limits up to May 18 and North Bay of Bengal up to May 20.

11:55 am: Amphan cyclone review meeting held to gauge preparedness

The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) reviewed the preparedness for Amphan cyclone and directed immediate assistance to West Bengal and Odisha. The meeting was headed by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba. The cabinet secretary looked into the preparedness for rescue and relief in the states and asked immediate assistance to be provided.

11:45 am: Amphan direction on May 20

Cyclone Amphan is very likely to move north-northeast across northwest Bay of Bengal and cross West Bengal-Bangladesh coasts between Digha and Hatiya during the afternoon or evening of May 20. It is likely to have maximum sustained wind speed of 155-165 kmph gusting upto 185 kmph.