The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated this evening that cyclonic storm Tauktae in the Arabian Sea had intensified and was heading northwards towards the coast of Gujarat.
The storm is very likely to intensify further into a “very severe cyclonic storm” by late night on May 15, the IMD said, adding that it was very likely to move north-northwestwards and cross Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Naliya around May 18 afternoon.
Mumbai is expected to receive rains on Sunday (May 16) afternoon, Shubhani Bhute, senior director (weather) IMD, Mumbai stated. The storm is currently 250 km south-west of Goa, she added.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has increased the number of teams from 53 to 100 to undertake relief and rescue measures in view of the impending Cyclone Tauktae, an official said on Saturday, news agency PTI reported.
Each NDRF team has a strength of 47 personnel and, thus, the total manpower identified for the task is 4,700 rescuers.
Meanwhile, Mumbai has suspended its vaccination drive for two days — May 15-May 16, due to the cyclone warning.
Also, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the preparedness of states, Union ministries and agencies concerned to deal with the situation arising out of cyclone Tauktae.
He also asked the officials to take measures to ensure that people are safely evacuated from the affected areas. He also called for ensuring maintenance of all essential services such as power, telecommunications, health and drinking and their immediate restoration in the event of damages caused to them, a statement said.
“…It (cyclonic storm ) is very likely to intensify further and move north-northwestwards towards Gujarat and adjoining Pakistan coasts. It is likely to reach Gujarat coasts around May 18th evening,” the special bulletin of the IMD had stated on April 13 evening.
