Cyclone kills at least 18 in India

In India a strong cyclone has rampaged through the coastal area of the state of West Bengal leaving at least 18 people dead.

Villagers walk against a backdrop of cyclone clouds on the outskirts of the eastern city of Bhubaneswar. (AFP/Asit Kumar)

The West Bengal capital, Kolkata, saw storms and heavy winds which uprooted trees and electricity poles and toppled sign posts leaving widespread debris.

At least 100-thousand people were affected by the cyclone. Electricity and telephone lines were cut. And thousands of residents were evacuated from their homes.

The Indian government is sending the army to the cyclone-hit areas to help deal with the situation.