Cyclone toll rises to 45, Rescue operations begin

Kolkata, May 26 (ANI): The death toll due to cyclone 'Aila', which ran havoc across the state rose to 45 today.

20 deaths were reported from South 24 Parganas district, followed by eight in North 24 Parganas, six each in Kolkata and Howrah, three in Birbhum and one each in Bankura and Malda.

Rescue and relief operations are being carried out in Sandeshkhali and Kultali of North and South 24 Parganas districts.

Army has taken up rescue operations in Hingalganj in North 24 Parganas and Gosaba, Patharpratima and Sagardwip areas in South 24 Parganas

Two MI-17 helicopters were air-dropping food packets in the two worst hit areas in the two districts.

Relief materials including dry food were provided to about 2,000 people in Satabhaya area in Kendrapara.

Though electricity supply disrupted by the storm has been restored in towns, rural areas continued to remain without power.(ANI)