Cyclone 'Fani' barrelled through Odisha on Friday, unleashing copious rain and windstorm that gusted up to 175 kmph, killing at least eight people, blowing away thatched houses, and swamping towns and villages, officials said. Some reports said over 160 people were injured.

The extremely severe cyclonic storm 'Fani' or the 'Hood of Snake' made landfall around 8 AM in Puri, with roaring winds flattening huts, enveloping the pilgrim town in sheets of rain, and submerging homes.