Modi visits cyclone's devastation

The devastation and mass casualties wrought by the worst cyclone to hit India in over a decade -- was seen firsthand by its prime minister on Friday.

Narendra Modi surveyed the city of Kolkata from a helicopter.

At least 96 people were killed across India and Bangladesh by Cyclone Amphan after it swept in from the Bay of Bengal on Wednesday.

The toll is expected to rise as communications are restored and authorities reach villages cut off by blocked roads.

And danger remains in the form of building collapses, and electrocution from loose power lines.

However, the evacuation of around three million people before the cyclone struck has undoubtedly reduced the number of casualties.

Modi has announced emergency aid of about $131 million to support the relief efforts.

In neighboring Bangladesh, initial estimates from the government put the damage at about $130 million.