Extremely severe cyclone Amphan has begun making landfall near the coastal districts of West Bengal, India with a wind speed of 155 to 165kmph gusting to 185kmph, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
At the time of filing this story at 5:30pm Wednesday, there was no immediate reports of loss of lives.
Addressing a press briefing, Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said the eye of cyclone is expected to touch land anytime now.
“The intensity of the cyclone near its centre as the landfall process started was recorded at 160-170 kmph, gusting to 190 kmph,” it said.
Heavy rain and gale wind have affected several districts in the Gangetic West Bengal since morning and the intensity of the downpour and wind increased gradually with every passing hour, according to media reports.
