Gopalpur: Fishing boats parked ashore in the wake of severe cyclonic storm 'Fani' at Gopalpur in Odisha's Ganjam district on May 1, 2019. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted that extremely severe cyclonic storm 'Fani' was likely to cross between Gopalpur and Chandbali, to the south of Puri on May 3-4, while 11 districts of Odisha were to be affected. (Photo: IANS)

Cyclone Fani strengthens, could batter south Bengal

Kolkata:  In wake of Cyclone Fani gradually gaining strength, weather officials on Wednesday warned of destruction of thatched houses, roads, and crops in eight districts of West Bengal and advised people be evacuated from coastal areas. “There can be total destruction of thatched houses/extensive damage to kutcha (mud) houses, some damage to pucca (permanent) houses. […]