Two dead as Cyclone Bulbul lashes Indian coasts, nears Bangladesh

The “very severe” cyclonic storm Bulbul has started lashing the Indian coasts of Odisha as it is approaching the Sundarbans delta on the Bangladesh-West Bengal shorelines.

It has reportedly caused two deaths in India.

It was centred about 35km southeast of Sagar Islands in West Bengal, 80km east-southeast of Digha, and 125km south-southwest of Kolkata at 7:30pm on Saturday, the Indian Meteorological Department said.

It means the storm with a diameter of around 400km and an approaching speed of around 12km already started the process of landfall.

The centre of the storm system is likely to cross the coast about 11pm, the IMD said.

Trees were uprooted in various parts of Kolkata killing one person in a renowned club, state media the Press Trust of India said on Saturday, citing officials.

Incessant rain since the early hours left parts of Kolkata and its adjoining suburbs with waterlogged streets and overflowing drains, leading to traffic congestion during busy office hours.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she is herself monitoring the situation and the administration has taken all measures to tackle any contingency in view of the Cyclone Bulbul.

Photos posted on social media showed police helping rescue workers clearing uprooted trees on the streets in Odisha.

Information about the death of one person due to a rain-related wall collapse incident has been received from Kendrapara district, the PTI reported citing an official who said the authorities were checking the matter.