Bangladesh evacuated nearly 800,000 people from vulnerable areas as the country and neighbouring India awaited the arrival of a severe cyclone that has formed over the Bay of Bengal.
The storm is expected to cross Bangladesh and India’s West Bengal coasts late on Sunday (Monday AEST).
The India Meteorological Department said it is expected to reach maximum wind speeds of up to 120km/h, hitting West Bengal’s Sagar Island and Bangladesh’s Khepupara region.