Cyclone Yaas: 3 Lakh Houses Damaged In West Bengal, 1 Crore People Affected

Digha: Kolkata, which was badly jolted and battered by the fury of Cyclone Amphan a year ago, heaved a sigh of relief as Cyclone Yaas spared it. But coastal towns and villages of West Bengal, like Digha and Mandarmani, and adjoining areas were ravaged by Wednesday’s cyclone.

At least 1 crore people have been affected and 3 lakh houses damaged by Yaas, informed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Yaas started its landfall at Dhamra near Odisha’s Balasore on Wednesday morning. The process was completed this afternoon, according India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The chief minister, who stayed overnight at the State secretariat to oversee and monitor the situation, held a meeting with district magistrates, disaster management committee and other officials this afternoon to assess the early damage and discuss steps to be taken in the next 24 hours.

“The high tide which came in the morning made it worse for coastal areas, breaching embankments and inundating many villages. At least 3 lakh houses damaged,” said Mamata, adding that West Bengal is the “most-affected state.”

She warned people close to rivers not to venture out at night as another tidal wave is expected to raise the water level. “It’s expected to be 5 metres high, which is not normal… I request the people to be careful tonight and tomorrow morning,” she appealed.