Kolkata: Heavy rain accompanied by gusty wind took its toll on the brandings for the FIFA U17 World Cup in Kolkata. Several flexes and banners were seen torn due to the winds on the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass and also around the Salt Lake Stadium. Temporary gates installed for the event on the Bypass were suprooted by the winds. More damages are expected as the cyclone which is formed over the Bay of Bengal is expected to go stronger in the next few hours. To make matters worse, the forecast is for heavy showers with winds over the next 24 hours.
The State Government spent crores of rupees on the branding of the FIFA U17 World Cup and Biswa Bangla. In some places, the logo of Biswa Bangla was seen scattered here and there. Most of the flexes in and around the stadium were seen torn and hanging from the structures.
The Kolkata leg of the FIFA U17 World Cup kick started yesterday with England routing Chile 4-0 while the second game between Iraq and Mexico ended in a 1-1 stalemate. A decent turnout of 46154 spectators saw the opening matches at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan.
Incessant rain and squally wind affected normal life in the metropolis on the first working day of the week. Waterlogging and uprooted trees blocked some thoroughfares of the city, delaying the morning rush hour traffic. Many schools in the city were declared Holiday owing to the inclement weather. The schools were supposed to open today after the Durga Puja vacation.
“A depression has formed over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining north Bay of Bengal and lay centered about 50 km southeast of Kolkata at 5.30 am today,” the Met department said.
The system is very likely to move initially west-northwestwards and intensify into a deep depression during the next 24 hours, it said.
The next Group F matches at the Salt Lake Stadium will take place at the Salt Lake Stadium on October 11. England will take on Mexico while Iraq will be up against Chile.