New Delhi, May 18 (IANS) With super cyclone ‘Amphan soon to hit India, the Indian Metrological Department has advised a complete shutdown of shipping and boating activities in parts of West Bengal and Odisha till May 20.

IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra while addressing a press briefing said, "We have advised a complete shutdown of shipping and boating till May 20."

He added that the weather department has also advised for rerouting or shutting down of rail and road traffic in some parts of the West Bengal and Odisha which the super cyclone is expected to hit.

"The super cyclone is likely to cause extensive damage to 'kuchcha' houses and old structures. Uprooting of trees, telephone poles, palm trees etc is also expected. Ships and large boats can be damaged heavily," Mohapatra said.

--IANS anb/kr