Indian PM promises to help victims of severe cyclonic storm Amphan

NEW DELHI - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday said he would leave no stone unturned to help those affected by the devastating severe cyclonic storm Amphan in West Bengal and Odisha.

"Have been seeing visuals from West Bengal on the devastation caused by cyclone Amphan. In this challenging hour, the entire nation stands in solidarity with West Bengal. Praying for the well-being of the people of the state. Efforts are on to ensure normalcy," Modi said in a brief statement posted on social media.

"My thoughts are with the people of Odisha as the state bravely battles the effects of cyclone Amphan. Authorities are working on the ground to ensure all possible assistance to those affected. I pray that the situation normalises at the earliest."

The cyclonic storm triggering gusty winds up to 190 kmph and rain battered West Bengal and coastal Odisha on Wednesday evening, flattened makeshift houses, uprooted electric poles and trees.

The cyclone has claimed 17 lives in the two states - 12 in West Bengal and five in Odisha. The deaths according to officials have been caused due to falling of trees, electric poles, failing structures and house collapses.

The prime minister said National Disaster Relief Force teams were working in the areas affected by the cyclone.

"Top officials are closely monitoring the situation and also working in close coordination with the West Bengal government," Modi said. "No stone will be left unturned in helping the affected."

According to Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee the damages due to the Amphan could be $13.20 billion in the affected parts of state.

The severe cyclonic storm comes at a time when India is fighting COVID-19, which has infected 112,359 people in the country and killed 3,435.