Struggling with COVID-19... India and Bangladesh Face Emergency Due to 'Super Cyclone'

Published 18 May.2020 18:48(KST)

Cyclone Amphan over the Bay of Bengal in India on the morning of the 18th. Photo captured from the Indian Meteorological Department's Twitter. Photo by Yonhap News.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Min-young] India and Bangladesh are facing serious concerns over major damage as a large cyclone is set to make landfall amid the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to local media and CNN on the 18th, a powerful cyclone named 'Amphan' formed in the Bay of Bengal is moving toward the eastern coast of India and the southern coast of Bangladesh.

CNN reported that Amphan has intensified to the level of a Category 4 hurricane.

Local media predicted that Amphan is likely to strengthen further tonight and become a 'super cyclone.' The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs forecasted that Amphan will make landfall around the 20th with strong winds reaching 185 km/h.

India has begun preparations in the areas expected to be affected by the cyclone. The eastern Indian states of Odisha and West Bengal issued warnings to millions of residents in coastal low-lying areas and fishing boats operating offshore. The state governments have also dispatched rescue teams to the areas expected to be hit by the cyclone.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and others on the same day to discuss countermeasures.

Bangladesh is also conducting emergency responses, focusing on coastal areas. Cyclones form annually in the Bay of Bengal between April and December, causing significant damage to nearby coastal regions.

India reported a cumulative total of 96,169 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of the afternoon of the same day (according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare), an increase of 5,242 cases from the previous day. This is the highest number of daily new confirmed cases since the outbreak began on January 30.