Prabhu assures monitoring of cyclone Fani, DGCA might issue revised advisories

Civil aviation secretary monitoring situation in different states hit by Cyclone Fani, DGCA will issue revised advisories to airlines when necessary, says Suresh Prabhu. Several airports across eastern Indian states have suspended all flights.

In a series of tweets about the cyclone, Prabhu said he will pledge funds from Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) if necessary "as per the extant rule".

"Directed Secretary (MOCA) to continuously monitor the situation. DGCA will be issuing revised advisories to Airlines as and when necessary. Taking all possible steps for passenger safety and to minimise their inconvenience," he added.

Having spent days building up power in the northern reaches of the Bay of Bengal, tropical Cyclone Fani finally struck the coast of Odisha state at around 8 am local time on May 3.

Hundreds of disaster management personnel are deployed in the state, and doctors and other medical staff were told to defer any leave until May 15.