Super Cyclone Amphan Damages Cars Worth Crores In Kolkata

Super Cyclone Amphan has wreaked havoc in the state of West Bengal, destroying property worth crores and even killing many people. As I write this news, 72 people have been reported dead due to the natural calamity.

Vehicular destruction is also quite rampant due to the storm. Hundreds of unsuspecting cars have been crushed. The low-lying areas have been flooded waist-deep, thus water logging a huge number of vehicles. The areas affected the heaviest are North and South 24 Parganas, followed by Kolkata, East Midnapore, and Howrah. The cyclone has left people shocked with its ferocity, and many justifiably fear for their lives. In the pictures here, we see multiple cars being damaged heavily, including Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire and even an Audi. Such destruction would surely take a toll not only the Government of West Bengal, but also the citizens living there.

Destructive winds, with a recorded speed of up to 125 Kmph, have managed to overturn cars, fell electricity poles, uprooted trees, etc. A large portion of roads connectivity has been lost as a consequence, making it harder for aid to reach the affected areas. Several communication towers have also sustained damage, thus affecting mobile and internet services as well. Many areas are now without electricity. The state government has managed to evacuate more than five lakh people to safety, and the centre has issued a statement saying that no stone would be left unturned in helping the people.

The National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force (NDRF & SDRF) are already mobile, and additional teams have been sent to West Bengal, especially the state’s capital, Kolkata. Indian Railways have suffered heavy damages as well, and efforts are underway to restore operations as soon as possible. Kolkata Airport has been waterlogged almost completely, and Cyclone Amphan has rendered flights in and out of the state implausible. The agriculture department has reported that paddy crops in Burdwan, West Midnapore, and Hooghly districts have also been destroyed.