Operations Resume At Kolkata Airport After Cyclone Amphan Leaves Runway Flooded, Hangers Damaged

Cyclone Amphan wreaked havoc in Bengal & Odisha on May 20. The cyclone has killed at least 72 people in West Bengal of which 15 are from Kolkata, CM Mamata Banerjee said on May 21. Kolkata woke up to scenes of devastation on May 21. Over 5,000 trees, hundreds of lamposts and several traffic signals were uprooted in the city. Due to heavy rainfall brought by the cyclone, several areas were inundated, with no electricity. At Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International airport, an aircraft parked in a hangar was damaged. Two hangars of Air India were also destroyed and portions of the terminal’s roof were blown away. Reportedly, the hangers have been damaged beyond repair. The runway was completely inundated with floodwater. Meanwhile, flight operations have resumed at the airport. Meanwhile, flight operations have resumed at the airport. CM Mamata Banerjee announced a compensation of Rs 2.5 lakh for the families of those killed in the cyclone. Banerjee also announced a relief package of Rs 1,000 crore. PM Narendra Modi will visit Bengal & Odisha on May 22 to take stock of the situation.