Cyclonic storm Tauktae which is currently centered over Lakshadweep is more likely to intensify into a severe storm within 12 hours. The cyclone is anticipated to hit the Gujarat coast by Tuesday morning, May 18. Gujarat and Diu coasts are under constant watch.
India Meteorological Department (IMD) tweeted about the severity of cyclone and said, “Deep depression intensified into a cyclonic storm ‘Tauktae’ (pronounced as Tau’Te) over Lakshadweep area and adjoining southeast and east-central Arabian Sea: Cyclone watch for south Gujarat and Diu coasts.”
Cyclone Tauktae is the first cyclonic storm to hit India this year whilst the county fights with the deadly second wave of coronavirus.
In the next 24 hours cyclone is more likely to worsen. Prepared to fight the cyclone Tauktae, a total of 50 rescue teams of the National Disaster Response Force are deployed in five states- Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Indian Navy has also assured the state administrations of their support and said, “Indian Navy Ships, aircraft, helicopters, diving and disaster relief teams standby for rendering full support to State administrations as Cyclonic storm Tauktae approaches Western Coast of India.”
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According to the IMD forecast on Friday, the storm will intensify with a wind speed of 150 to 160kmph by May 17. IMD tweeted, “Deep Depression over Lakshadweep area and adjoining southeast and the east-central Arabian Sea about 55km north-northwest of Amini Divi. To intensify into a cyclonic storm during the next 12 hrs. To move north-northwestwards and reach near Gujarat Coast by 18th May morning.”
However, Kerela is not a part of the predicted path of the cyclone. The state administration is still prepared for heavy rains, strong winds and strong seas gusts till Sunday.
Heavy rainfall is expected that may cause flash floods and landslides over the coastal districts of Kerela, Karnataka and Goa till Sunday, and Saurashtra Kutch in Gujarat on Tuesday and Wednesday. To prevent any loss to lives fishermen are urged to avoid heading to the Arabian sea till Tuesday and tourism activities have been restricted. Around 300 people are relocated to relief camps from disaster-prone areas.