India: Death toll from cyclone Fani climbs to 64

By Ahmad Adil

CHANDIGARH, India (AA) - The death toll from cyclone Fani in India’s eastern state of Odisha has reached 64, more than a week after the cyclone hit the state causing massive destruction, according to an official statement.

A statement released by the State Emergency Operation Center (SEOC) said the maximum deaths were reported in Puri district with 39 deaths.

Officials said that over 508,467 houses have been damaged at various localities due to the cyclone that made a landfall impact last Friday (May 3), leaving behind a trail of destruction and devastation.

“In Puri district extensive damages have occurred to kutcha houses. As per report received so far, 189,095 houses damaged in Puri. Structures of temporary street vendors have been completely damaged,” the statement said.

According to SEOC officials, 241 people have been injured in different places and that they are being treated.

According to Philip Klotzbach from Colorado State University, Fani is the strongest cyclone in the North Indian Ocean since 2008.

Before the cyclone hit the state, the authorities had moved more than one million residents to safer locations in the state, thus preventing a large number of casualties.