Cyclone Phailin: Haldia port on high alert

Kolkata Port Trust has put its operations at Haldia port on high alert as super cyclone Phailin closes in on nearby Odisha.

KoPT chairman R P S Kahlon said instructions had been given to keep as few ships as possible at the dock.

"As of now, port operations are on because we are not expecting much of an impact, but we are keeping a close watch. We shall ensure as few ships as possible are operating at Haldia," Kahlon told Business Standard.

The cyclone will hit the odisha coast in the evening, bringing heavy to very heavy rainfall in East Medinipur district where Haldia port is located.

Operations at the Paradip port have been suspended and ships have been sent to deep sea.

Coal, iron ore, crude oil, edible oil are the four major cargo items out of Haldia port.