| Event: | TC Tropical Cyclone |
| Number: | 2009-000105 |
| Country: | IND India |
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| Date (YMD): | 2009-5-26 |
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| Information Source: | IFRC Information Bulletin |
| Comments: | Cyclone AILA ripped coastal West Bengal on 25 May 2009 unleashing storms that uprooted trees, electricity poles and thatched homes, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake, killing approx 30 people and affecting 100,000 others.
A severe storm with a wind speed of 110 kmph accompanied by heavy rainfall preceded the cyclone ripping through the districts of Kolkata, North and South 24 Parganas, Howrah and Hoogly. The coastal blocks like Sagar, Namkhana, Kakdwip and also Patharpraima, Canning, Basanti, Mathurapur and Kultali have all been severely affected and casualties have been reported. The West Bengal state?s Disaster Management Minister told BBC that 100,000 people had become homeless. The accompanying rains caused water-logging in large parts of the city, while power supply remained erratic and several flights were cancelled. Nearly four people were killed and 15 injured in Kolkata due to the storm that paralysed normal life. The usually bustling city streets were deserted since noon, as the authorities stopped tram services and asked people to stay indoors till evening.
The city administration and police swung into action and virtual emergency was declared. Assistance of army has also been sought to help the civil administration in tackling the action.
Cyclonic storm AILA also paralysed life in several parts of Coastal Orissa triggering heavy rains and high velocity winds prompting government to gear up for relief work. No casualties have been reported so far.
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre Director, the cyclone now lying stationery 50 km west of Kolkata is moving in a northerly direction and will weaken gradually to a depression affecting the Northern and North Eastern states of India.
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THIS DISASTER ON THE INTERNET:
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