A general view shows flooding as Cyclone Yaas approaches Bhadrak, Odisha, India, May 26, 2021, in this still image taken from video obtained from social media Reuters

Bangladesh Met Office advised maritime ports to hoist local cautionary No 3

The very severe cyclone storm Yaas has begun the landfall process, said the Indian Meteorological Department around 9am on Wednesday.

Powerful winds and waves were seen in images from Bengal's Digha and South 24 Paraganas districts of, as well as Odisha's Kendrapara, with some coastal areas already flooded and people wading through knee-deep water on roads along the seafront, reports NDTV.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Meteorological Department has advised maritime ports to hoist local cautionary No 3.

India’s West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that over 11.5 lakh people have been evacuated from vulnerable areas in the state due to the imminent cyclone Yaas. According to the Odisha government, over 200,000 people have been relocated to safer areas in coastal districts.

Also read - Cyclone Yaas a double trouble for Bangladesh, India

Light-moderate rainfall at most places, extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places over Medinipur & heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over Bankura, Jhargram, South 24 Parganas & heavy falls at isolated areas like Kolkata, Nadia among others today, the Indian weather office said.

Cyclone Yaas is nearing the India's east coast, days after deadly cyclone, Tauktae, hit its west coast.

It will make landfall between Dhamra Port and Balasore on the Odisha coast Tuesday noon, with wind speed of upto 185 km per hour. It is expected to pass over Bengal too. Neighbouring Jharkhand has also sounded an alert and is preparing for the cyclone's impact.

People have been relocated from low-lying coastal areas in Bengal and Odisha to government buildings, colleges, and other stable structures. Pregnant women and children were transported to government hospitals, while fishermen moved their boats inland for protection.

Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director general of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), said the cyclone's effect would be serious for six hours before and after landfall, with the most damage occurring in Chandbali, Odisha.