Cyclone Tauktae LIVE Updates: Cyclonic storm intensifies, to reach Gujarat coast by May 18
Premium- The cyclone is expected to cause heavy rainfall in the coastal districts of Gujarat
Cyclone Tauktae Live Updates: The cyclonic storm has intensified and is expected to reach Gujarat coast by May 18. In its latest update, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that cyclonic storm "Tauktae lay centred at 2330 IST of 15th May over Arabian Sea about 170 km southwest of Panjim-Goa, 520 km south of Mumbai". "It is very likely to intensify into a VSCS (very severe cyclonic storm), cross Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Mahuva (Bhavnagar district) around 18th May early morning," it said.
The cyclone is expected to cause heavy rainfall in the coastal districts of Gujarat. The IMD predicted extremely heavy rainfall in Junagadh and Gir Somnath and heavy to very heavy rain at a few places in the districts of Saurashtra, Kutch and Diu, namely Gir Somnath, Diu, Junagadh, Porbandar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Amreli, Rajkot, and Jamnagar.
MORE FROM THIS SECTIONSee All
Premium Premium Bengal hospital issues death certificate, Covid patient later found alive
1 min read . 07:31 AM IST
Premium Premium Traders Association asks Delhi govt to open markets in phased manner
1 min read . 07:12 AM IST
Premium Premium Kerala: Four districts with high positivity rate go under triple lockdown
1 min read . 06:56 AM ISTLIVE UPDATES
Tauktae intensifies into very severe cyclonic storm
In its latest update posted on Twitter, the weather department informed that Cyclone Tauktae has intensified into very severe cyclonic storm.
Trains that have been cancelled on Sunday
The Indian Railways has cancelled or short terminated some trains in view of cyclonic storm 'Tauktae'. List of trains that were scheduled for Sunday, but now cancelled - Train No 09115 Dadar - Bhuj, train No 09455 Bandra Terminus - Bhuj, train No 09003 Bandra Terminus - Bhuj, train No 02945 Mumbai Central - Okha, train No 04321 Bareily - Bhuj, train No 01464 Jabalpur - Somnath, train No 04680 Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra - Jamnagar, train No 09566 Dehradun - Okha, train No 08401 Puri -Okha, train No 09270 Muzaffarpur - Porbandar, and train No 09094 Santragachi - Porbandar.
Forces on stand-by to deal with any situation
PM Modi yesterday held a high level meeting to review the preparedness of states, central ministries and different agencies. After his meeting, the PMO informed that Indian Coast Guard and the Navy have deployed ships and helicopters for relief, search and rescue operations. Air Force and Engineer task force units of Army were on standby for deployment. Seven ships with Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Units were also kept on standby along western coast. "Surveillance aircraft and helicopters are carrying out serial surveillance along the western coast. Disaster Relief teams (DRTs) and Medical Teams (MTs) are standby at Trivandrum, Kannur and other locations along western coast," the PMO said on Saturday.
Rainfall prediction for Gujarat
In its update issued on Saturday, the weather department said light to moderate rainfall was likely to commence over coastal districts of Saurashtra from Sunday afternoon. Heavy to very heavy falls at isolated places over Saurashtra and Kutch and extremely heavy falls at isolated places ( in Junagarh and Gir Somnath Districts) on May 17. Heavy to very heavy falls at a few places over Saurashtra and Kutch. Extremely heavy falls expected at isolated places (Porbandar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar and Kutch districts) on May 18.
Rainfall prediction for Kerala
The IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy falls at isolated places on Sunday (May 16) and heavy falls at isolated places on Monday (May 17).
71 relief camps opened across Kerala
The Kerala government has informed that 71 relief camps have been opened across the state to help those affected by the storm. In a tweet, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that in view of Cyclone Tauktae, 71 relief camps have been opened across the state to shelter those affected by sea erosion. Currently, the camps house 2,094 people from 543 families.
Damage expected in districts of Gujarat
The IMD has predicted major damage to thatched houses/huts, kutcha and pucca roads. Roof tops may blow off and unattached metal sheets may fly. Damage may also be caused to power and communication lines. "Breaking of tree branches, uprooting of large avenue trees. Moderate damage to banana and papaya trees. Large dead limbs blown from trees. Major damage to coastal crops. Damage to embankments/ salt pans," the department said
Mumbai shifts Covid patients
Maharashtra | In view of Cyclone Tauktae, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai has shifted 580 Covid patients from jumbo centres to other facilities. Mumbai is expecting heavy showers today afternoon.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the preparedness of states, central ministries and agencies concerned to deal with the situation arising out of cyclonic storm. The prime minister asked them to take every possible measure to ensure that people are safely evacuated.
Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!