CYCLONE HITS WEST BENGAL - NO AMCIT CASUALTIES, NO REQUEST

UNCLAS KOLKATA 000134 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR SCA/INSB, OFDA KATHMANDU FOR OFDA REGIONAL ADVISOR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV EAID SENV IN SUBJECT: CYCLONE HITS WEST BENGAL - NO AMCIT CASUALTIES, NO REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE ¶1. (SBU) On May 25, a Category 2 tropical cyclone named "Aila" hit the Eastern India state of West Bengal. Damage was concentrated in South and North 24 Paraganas, especially the low lying delta region of the Sunderbans. West Bengal government officials told post that approximately 40 people died and more than 300,000 were affected by the cyclone. There are no reported American casualties. State and national government officials, assisted by army and paramilitary forces, are spearheading relief efforts as temporarily displaced individuals in rural areas return to their homes. One local administrator estimated that approximately 35,000 rural residential structures were partially damaged and another 17,500 were completely destroyed. Initial indications are that the Government of India and the Government of West Bengal are in a position to adequately address the cyclone relief and do not require, nor have they asked for, any external assistance. TAYLOR