Climate Adaptation
Biggest Storm in 20 Years Spurs South Asia to Evacuate Millions
- Cyclonic storm may weaken before hitting India, Bangladesh
- Wind speed is likely to surge to about 240 kilometers per hour
This article is for subscribers only.
The biggest cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal in about two decades has slightly weakened before hitting the coasts of India and Bangladesh on Wednesday, with authorities making preparations to evacuate more than 5 million people to safer places.
Cyclone Amphan, equivalent of a category 4 hurricane at present, is expected to have a sustained wind speed of 200 to 210 kilometers (124-130 miles) per hour, according to the India Meteorological Department. The speed may rise as high as 240 kilometers per hour, the weather office said.