IANS

New Delhi

Cyclonic storm ‘Nisarga’ will affect the coastal districts of  Maharashtra, including Mumbai, more than Gujarat and other neighbouring states, the India  meteorological department said on Monday.

The IMD said the depression in the Arabian Sea is slated to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm ‘Nisarga’ and cross north Maharashtra and Gujarat coasts between Harihareshwar in Raigad district and Daman on June 3.

IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said: “Monsoon vortex or cyclonic circulation has formed in the Arabian Sea. As per our predictions, Maharashtra coastal districts like Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, Thane, Raigad, Mumbai and Palghar will be more affected by it.” 

This depression is currently 690 km away from Mumbai.

There could be inundation in low-lying areas, townships, and city areas. Wind speed could also cause damage to trees, telephone, and electric poles, he added.

He said that the rainfall in Maharashtra’s coastal districts will increase on June 2 and intensify further on June 3. “We are expecting extremely heavy rainfall of more than 20 cm here on June 3.”

OUR REPORTER ADDS FROM PANAJI:  However, the IMD clarified that ‘Nisarga’ would not hit the Goa
coast.

“It is very likely to move nearly northwards initially till June 2 morning, and then recurve north-northeastwards and cross north Maharashtra and south Gujarat coasts between Harihareshwar (Raigad, Maharashtra) and Daman during the afternoon of June 3,” the IMD  weather bulletin stated. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea for the next few days as it is expected to be very rough.