India begins evacuating almost 1m for Cyclone Fani

India began evacuating almost 1m people from the eastern state of Odisha to temporary shelters as the nation braces for its worst cyclonic storm since 2014. Cyclone Fani is set to hit the country’s eastern coast on Friday, with wind speeds likely reaching as high as 200 km per hour. The Navy and the coast guard have deployed ships and helicopters for relief operations, according to a government statement. Odisha is battered by cyclonic storms every year with some intense enough to damage crops, plantations, trees, mud houses and communication and electric poles, as well as disrupt road traffic and transportation of essential goods. PM Narendra Modi, who held a meeting on Thursday to review the preparations, has asked top officials to take preventive measures as well as make preparations for relief and rescue operations, according to a government statement.<br/>