Cyclone Aila ripped through the state of West Bengal on Monday, claiming more than 60 lives. Gales, at a speed of more than 80 kmph accompanied by heavy rains, displaced over 1 lakh people from their home. Rivers breached their embankments and trees got uprooted at more than 100 places in the city of Kolkata, leading to disruption of road transport. The cyclone also resulted in blockage in rail and air transport, leaving a number of people stranded on the way. The army has been pressed into operations and rescue operation is going on in full swing. More than 80,000 people have been evacuated to temporary relief shelters.
Chief Minister of West Bengal, Buddhadeb Bhattacharya has reviewed the situation and is in constant touch with the center on the issue. Railway Minister Mamata Bannerjee has cancelled her trip to New Delhi and has decided to stand by the side of people at this time.
The cyclone has also wreaked havoc in the mangrove forest of Sunderbans. Forest officials fear death of more than a dozen tigers in this largest tiger reserve of the world.
