PM Modi to take Aerial Survey of Bengal, Odisha tomorrow in wake of 'Cyclone Amphan'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bengal and Odisha tomorrow for an aerial survey of the ground situation after yesterday's havoc by cyclone Amphan. Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had asked the Prime Minister to visit the state and inspect the damage, which she said was in the tune of Rs 1 lakh crore.

"I have never witnessed such a fierce cyclone and destruction in my life. I would request Prime Minister Narendra Modi to come and visit Cyclone Amphan-affected areas," Ms Banerjee said after a review meeting this morning.

Later in the day, the Prime Minister, in a series of tweets, said the entire county stands with Bengal and "no stone will be left unturned" to help those



affected.

"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," the Prime Minister tweeted.

The cyclone also caused widespread devastation in Odisha, damaging power and telecom infrastructure in several coastal districts. Officials of the Odisha government estimated that it has affected around 44.8 lakh people in the state.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Ms Banerjee and given assurances of help.