Medical and food supplies have been rushed to the area after the cyclone struck overnight on Tuesday. It is the most violent storm in this area since Cyclone Aila hit eastern India and Bangladesh in May last year, killing more than 150 people.

North-eastern areas of West Bengal and Bihar states and the Bangladeshi state of Rangpur were worst-hit, said officials.

West Bengal's Uttar Dinajpur district was struck badly, with nearly 40 dead. Much of the district is without power because electricity poles collapsed after trees uprooted by the storm fell on them.

The death toll is expected to rise as more bodies are found in collapsed houses and other debris. The storm was followed by heavy rains that further added to the woes of villagers.

BBC