PM speaks to Mamata over cyclone Bulbul, assures assistance

A day after cyclone Bulbul wreaked havoc in the coastal areas of West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday spoke to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to take stock of the situation.

In the telephonic conversation, Modi assured Banerjee of all possible assistance from the Central government.

"Spoke to WB CM @MamataOfficial regarding the situation arising due to Cyclone Bulbul.. I pray for everyone's safety and well-being," PM tweeted.

The Prime Minister also reviewed the situation elsewhere in eastern India, where the cyclone conditions and heavy rains have caused massive damage to crop and property. After Modi, Shah also held a telephonic conversation with Banerjeee and assured all possible help.

"Closely monitoring the situation as cyclone Bulbul hits Eastern India. We are continuously in touch with central and state relief agencies. Have spoken to CM@MamataOfficial and have assured all possible help. I pray to almighty for those who are braving out this adverse weather," the Home Minister tweeted.

The Minister said that 10 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have already been deputed in West Bengal and six in Odisha, and they are assisting the state administration in evacuation, restoration of roads and in distribution of relief materials. "Additional 18 teams of NDRF have been kept on standby," he added.

Citing inputs received from West Bengal, the Home Ministry earlier said two people lost their lives in the cyclone that also damaged thousands of houses, uprooted hundreds of trees and affected power supply in the state.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister announced that her administration rescued 1,64,315 persons from the low lying areas in the coastal districts and at least 75 passengers of a cruise ship in the Bay of Bengal while severe cyclone Bulbul raged on Saturday.