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Two die in West Bengal cyclone

M Chhaya in Kolkata

At least two people died on Tuesday as a cyclonic storm blew over coastal West Bengal.

The storm, however, did not cause major damage.

Six southern districts experienced heavy to moderate rains and strong gales with the Sagardip Island under South 24 Parganas district bearing the brunt of the storm.

According to official sources, while one person was killed when a tree fell on him in Tollygunge area in the city, another drowned in Sagardip.

South 24 Parganas District Magistrate Alapan Bandopadhyay said that disaster management teams had been kept ready for any eventuality.

"There are no reports of any major damages from the coastal districts," official sources said.

But a report from Midnapore (west) district said that about 100 trawlers that had gone out for fishing a few days ago had not returned.

But close to fifty trawlers could be seen anchored a few kilometres from the shore waiting for a favourable tide to return.

The meteorological department has forecast rains accompanied by strong winds [60-70 kmph] for the next 24 hours in the coastal districts.

Met sources said the cyclone appears to have weakened and has changed direction towards Bangladesh.

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