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Cyclone Phailin Makes Landfall in Eastern India

By NDP newsroom

Cyclone Phailin, one of the most powerful storms to hit India in 14 years, made landfall near Gopalpur in Odisha on October 12, 2013, with wind speeds reaching 200 km/h (125 mph). Over 500,000 people were evacuated from coastal areas in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh as authorities braced for a storm surge predicted to reach 3 meters (10 feet).

The cyclone caused widespread damage, uprooting trees, destroying roofs, and disrupting power supplies. Reports of shattered windows and scattered debris painted a grim picture, with at least five deaths attributed to the storm. Brahmapur, located just inland, experienced severe devastation, with road signs and festival decorations blown away by fierce winds.

Despite the intensity of the storm, authorities highlighted their preparedness compared to the 1999 Odisha supercyclone that claimed thousands of lives. The army, helicopters, and relief packages were on standby, ensuring emergency aid could be delivered swiftly.

Cyclone Phailin underscores the vulnerability of India’s eastern coast to such severe weather events during the cyclone season, which runs from April to November.

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