High alert on 'Hudhud' sounded along coastal Bengal

 A high alert was on Thursday sounded along the coastal areas of West Bengal as a precautionary measure, though there was no forecast of the cyclone 'Hudhud' hitting the coastal districts. "A high alert has been sounded along the coastal districts of East Midnapore, North and South 24-Parganas in West Bengal as a precautionary measure and to prevent any damage or loss of property and lives," state Disaster Management Minister Javed Ahmed Khan told reporters after a meeting with the officials of his department.

All fishermen out in the sea for fishing aboard trawlers have been called back by the administration before noon tomorrow, Khan said. The minister cautioned the fishermen against venturing out in the mid-sea for fishing in the next 72 hours. The state administration has asked the three district administrations to keep rescue and relief measures ready to meet any exigency. Heavy rain and gusty wind along the coastal areas were forecast, the minister said.