Today Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘FANI’ (pronounced as ‘FONI’) will hit Odisha at afternoon with maximum sustained wind speed of 170-180 kmph gusting to 200 kmph. It will cause extensive damage to crops,houses,infrastructure,electric supply and economy.Government is evacuating all inhabitants to safer places.

Damage Expected and action suggested for Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Balasore districts of Odisha and east & west Medinipur, south & north 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hoogli, Kolkata districts of West Bengal and Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam and Vijayanagaram districts of Andhra Pradesh

(i) Total destruction of thatched houses/ extensive damage to kutcha houses. Some damage to pucca houses. Potential threat from flying objects.

(ii) Bending/ uprooting of power and communication poles.

(iii) Major damage to Kutcha and Pucca roads. Flooding of escape routes. Minor disruption of railways, overhead powerlines and signalling systems. (iv) Widespread damage to standing crops, plantations, orchards, falling of green coconuts and tearing of palm fronds. Blowing down of bushy trees like mango.

(v) Small boats, country crafts may get detached from moorings. (vi) Visibility severely affected.

(vii) Hoarding, flex and banners hanging loose are likely to fly and damage surroundings. These should be removed.

Action Suggested:

(i) Total suspension of fishing operations. Mobilise evacuation from coastal areas.

(ii) Judicious regulation of rail and road traffic.

(iii) People in affected areas to remain indoors.

(iv) Movement in motor boats and small ships unsafe.

(v) Keep medical aid in readyness.

(vi) Keep essential medicines and first aid kit with you when evacuating

(vii) Prepare a kit of clothes, essential medications, baby formula, nappies, valuables, important papers, photos and mementos in waterproof bags to be taken with your emergency kit.Keep large/heavy valuables in a strong cupboard for protection.

(viii) During evacuation to a public shelter or higher location, follow instructions of NDRF,SDRF, police,civil administration and State/Territory Emergency Health Services.

When the cyclone strikes

• Switch off all electrical appliances. Use battery radio to listen updates from government.
• Stay inside and shelter (away from windows) in the strongest part of the building, i.e. cellar, internal hallway or bathroom. Keep evacuation and emergency kits with you.
• If the building starts to break up, protect yourself with mattresses, rugs or blankets under a strong table or bench or hold onto a solid fixture, e.g. a water pipe.
• Beware the calm eye. If the wind drops, dont assume the cyclone is over; violent winds will soon resume from another direction. Wait for the official all clear.
• If driving, stop (handbrake on and in gear) - but well away from the sea and clear of trees, power lines and streams. Stay in the vehicle.