Puri: The cyclonic storm "Fani", which is the strongest storm in India in two decades, on Friday morning hit Odisha and began making an impact. Strong winds were seen in Bhubaneswar and the temple town of Puri which also saw heavy rain. Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal also witnessed strong winds in parts of the coastal areas.

According to reports, it is said that the impact of the landfall is likely to continue till around 11 am, and the storm is expected to move north-westwards and gradually weaken as it reaches Bengal by Saturday morning. The Odisha government has evacuated more than 11 lakh people from the coastal areas.

Also read: Cyclone Fani, the ‘snake’ storm: All you need to know about it

Meanwhile, the Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and disaster management agencies are on standby. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, reviewed preparedness for Cyclone Fani with his senior-most officials.

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu also assured possible help to the neighbouring state and also reviewed the preparedness of his own state's official machinery as a red alert was issued for Srikakulam and Vizianagaram sub-divisions on Thursday.

Meanwhile, in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, the disaster management teams have been deployed. No casualties reported as yet.

The roads have been damaged. Gusty winds and heavy rainfall of more than 20 cm are being witnessed. 

Also watch: Cyclone Fani: Red alert in Andhra Pradesh; NDRF team deployed

People have been asked to remain indoors. The railway department has made necessary arrangements in major stations across the east zone. People will be fecilitated with adequate food and drinking water. 

Rehabilitation centres have also been arranged in the case of an emergency. On Thursday, about 800,000 people were evacuated from low-lying areas of 14 districts in Odisha.