Seraikela, Oct 16: A huge evacuation effort in India has spared its eastern states from widespread loss of life after Cyclone Phailin flooded towns and destroyed thousands of homes.
The storm, which brought winds of over 125mph (200kph) and heavy rain, was the strongest to hit India in more than a decade. The district of Seraikela was also destroyed with thousands of people left homeless.
There is an extensive damage to property. Over 10,000 people living in catchment areas of Seraikela have been evacuated as several localities submerged due to heavy rain yesterday. Property worth several lakhs have been damaged by the cyclone.
The Swarnarekha and Kharkhai rivers have swollen as a result of the downpour. Both the rivers, flowing over the danger level, have started receding since this morning as no rain occurred since last evening.
The state government has ordered for a relief campaign for the victims of the cyclonic storm Phailin which has reportedly cost four lives in Jharkhand.