Amidst massive evacuation, Cyclone Phailin's intensity not reduced

Bhubaneshwar, Oct 12: As

and

brace for

Phailin, the met department has said that the intensity of the cyclone hasn't reduced.

According to latest reports, Cyclone Phailin was 250 km from Gopalpur.

SC Sahu from the meteorological department in Bhubhaneshwar said that they were tracking the cyclone since last night and it hasn't weakened so far.

Wind speeds were currently at 210 to 220 kmph.

The cyclone is likely to make landfall in Orissa first by Saturday evening. Meanwhile massive evacuations are underway along the coastal regions of Orissa and Andhra Pradesh. There were some reports of damage in Bhubaneshwar due to the strong winds.

Cyclone Phailin moving at a speed of 210-220 kmph

Sahu however maintained that the cyclone Phailin was not as strong as the one in 1999.

As many as 52,000 locals were evacuated and 25,000 people were relocated to cyclone shelters. The Naval and the Coast guard services have been kept on standby in case of an emergency.

OneIndia News