Atleast 16 people died in Odisha after extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani wreakedhavoc at the pilgrim town of Puri. The storm brought rail and air transport toa halt, swamping towns and villages.

Thereasons behind the deaths have been said to be wall collapse, falling of treesand flying debris. According to government authorities, the death toll may goup as rescue operations are still being carried out at several places. On theother hand, at least 12 people were killed in Bangladesh due to the cyclone.

The Cyclone Fani struck India on Friday morning at around 8 AM with a force stronger than any other cyclone to hit the country within the last 20 years. However, the United Nations agency for disaster reduction has applauded the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) for its early warning of extremely severe cyclone Fani. Due to the warning by the Meteorological Department, the authorities conduct a well-targeted evacuation plan resulting in minimal loss of lives.

Meanwhile, the cyclone is currently tracking into NE India as a tropical depression. The flight services have resumed at the Kolkata airport.