IMD Issues Alert For 5 Coastal States As ‘Cyclone Tauktae’ May Intensify In 12 Hours

Mumbai: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for coastal areas of Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Maharashtra as the cyclone Taukate is expected to hit between 17 and 18 May.

Officials said the pressure over Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea will change into a cyclonic storm in the next 24 hours.

In its latest bulletin, IMD stated that Cyclone Taluka, once formed, is likely to intensify into a “very severe cyclonic storm” with a wind speed of 150 to 160 mph on 17 May.

Red and orange alerts have been sounded in various parts. Low-lying areas of the Islands of Lakshadweep are likely to get flooded.

The spokesperson said Indian Navy’s ships aircraft, helicopters, diving and disaster relief teams are on standby for “rendering full support to state administrations as the cyclonic storm approaches western coasts.”

In a tweet, NDRF chief Satya Pradhan gave details of the teams that are on duty in various states.

https://twitter.com/satyaprad1/status/1393071973442355202?s=20

Fishermen going to fishing settlements have been asked to go to safer places. He said that fishermen have also been warned not to go to sea.

According to the IMD, this cyclonic activity would bring rain or thunderstorm in the coastal belt between May 16 and 18, with some of the places in the region receiving heavy to extremely heavy rainfall on Monday and Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s office said a review meeting was held on Friday.

“In a prep meeting regarding Cyclone Tauktae, CM Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray instructed the District Administration, Divisional Commissioners & District Collectors to be vigilant & well equipped in coastal areas, especially of Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri & Sindhudurg (sic),” a tweet read.

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