Cyclone Tauktae has intensified into an extremely severe cyclonic storm which is more likely to hit the Gujarat coast between 8 pm and 11 pm tonight. As for safety measures, the Mumbai airport is to remain shut between 11 am to 2 pm.
Cyclone Tauktae is centered about 160 km west-southwest of Mumbai, 290 km south-southeast of Veraval, Gujarat and 250 km south-southeast of Diu. According to India Meteorological Department, the cyclonic storm currently has a wind speed of 180 to 190 kmph gusting to 210 kmph.
Gujarat coasts are anticipated to experience gale winds with speeds 70 to 80 km/hr gusting to 90 km/hr today. The coastal districts of Gujarat including Porbandar, Junagarh, Valsad, Rajkot and Amreli are on high alert and large-scale damage is expected.
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Around 25,000 people have been evacuated from low-lying areas of Gujarat’s Bhavnagar district as landfall is anticipated. More than 1.5 lakh people have been relocated from other low-lying areas of the state. Destruction of thatched houses and extensive damage to kutcha houses, some to pucca houses is expected.
According to reports, there is a potential threat from flying objects. Escape roots might get flooded. Disruption of railways is also anticipated along with damage to the overhead powerline and signaling systems. Cyclone would damage salt pans and standing crops, blowing down bushy trees and small boats.
Meanwhile, Mumbai has experienced light rainfall and gusty winds on Monday morning. The airports will remain close from 11 am to 2 pm. A SpiceJet Chennai-Mumbai service has been diverted to Surat. Mumbai’s Bandra-Worli sea link is also closed and five temporary shelters are set up in each of the city’s 24 wards. Deployed NDRF teams are on high alert.