Cyclone Tauktae Could Become ‘Very Severe Cyclonic Storm’: IMD

Flight carrier Indigo has said that their flight operations to and from Kannur are impacted due to the cyclone.

Thiruvananthapuram: Rough sea weather conditions due to the formation of Cyclone Tauktae in the Arabian Sea, in Thiruvananthapuram

(Photo: PTI)

Cyclone Tauktae is likely to intensify into a “very severe cyclonic storm” by 17 May said the Indian Meteorological Department on the evening of Saturday, 15 May. It further said that the cyclone is expected to cross the Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Naliya on 18 May.

Many parts of Kerala saw heavy rains as rough waves damaged a pier in Thiruvananthapuram.

Coastal districts in Karnataka is likely to witness heavy rain by Saturday night, the state's Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai said.

The Indian Navy had earlier said that ships, aircraft, helicopters, diving and disaster relief teams are on standby to provide support to state administrations.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) launched a cyclone watch to track the possible course of the cyclone, which is headed towards Gujarat and adjoining the Pakistan coast. An alert has been sounded for Gujarat and Diu coasts.Thiruvananthapuram: Rough sea weather conditions due to formation of Cyclone Tauktae in the Arabian Sea, in Thiruvananthapuram

Alappuzha: Local carry their belonging after their houses were destroyed owing to Cyclone Tauktae in the Arabian Sea, in Alappuzha

Alappuzha: Locals keep their belonging on an elevated land due to waterlogging owing to Cyclone Tauktae in the Arabian Sea, in Alappuzha

Alappuzha: Damaged road due to rough sea weather conditions owing to Cyclone Tauktae in the Arabian Sea, in Alappuzha

Thiruvananthapuram: Rough sea weather conditions due to formation of Cyclone Tauktae in the Arabian Sea, in Thiruvananthapuram

Alappuzha: Local carry their belonging after their houses were destroyed owing to Cyclone Tauktae in the Arabian Sea, in AlappuzhaAlappuzha: Locals keep their belonging on an elevated land due to waterlogging owing to Cyclone Tauktae in the Arabian Sea, in AlappuzhaAlappuzha: Damaged road due to rough sea weather conditions owing to Cyclone Tauktae in the Arabian Sea, in Alappuzha(Photo: PTI)(Photo: PTI)(Photo: PTI)(Photo: PTI)The western railways said that due to the cyclone warning in coastal Gujarat region many trains will be cancelled/short terminated on 17 and 18 May.

Nearly 42 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been pre-deployed and 26 are on standby. In a tweet, NDRF said that 100 teams are committed to take care of the situation in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa.

Heavy rainfall is predicted over Lakshadweep, Kerala, coastal Karnataka, ghats of Tamil Nadu, while Goa and South Konkan regions are likely to receive moderate intensity rain.

Though Kerala is not in the predicted path of the cyclone, the government has said that string winds and rain are expected till Sunday.

PM MODI TO REVIEW PREPAREDNESS, FLIGHT OPERATIONS AFFECTED

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting to review the preparations to deal with Cyclone Tauktae with top officials, including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), reported PTI quoting government sources.

Meanwhile, due to the weather conditions over Arabian Sea, flights to and from Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Goa, and Ahmedabad are likely to be impacted till 17 May, Vistara said in a statement.

Flight carrier Indigo also said that their flight operations to and from Kannur are impacted due to the cyclone.

STATES PREPARES FOR THE CYCLONE

Kerala started preparing for Cyclone Tauktae that was developing over the south-eastern Arabian Sea after the IMD predicted heavy rainfall and strong winds in the state and rough seas along the coast till 16 May. A red alert has been issued in Thiruvananthapuram, Malappuram and Kozhikode.

Speaking to ANI, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged people to listen to the authorities and relocate to relief camps if asked to do so,

“Tonight is critical as IMD has sounded red and orange alerts for various districts. If heavy rains continue, flash floods and waterlogging may occur n low-lying areas. Coastal erosion is likely in coastal areas.”

Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala Chief Minister

Fishermen have also been asked to avoid heading to the Arabian Sea till Tuesday. Even tourism activities have been restricted in view of the necessary precautions.

ANI visuals from Kochi on Friday evening showed flash floods and waterlogging, rough seas and rainfall affecting normal life. Roads near Shangumugham have been partially washed away due to coastal erosion.

As per ANI, houses in Chellanam, Kannamali, Manassery and Edavanakkad are flooded. According to IMD’s latest update, the depression over the Lakshadweep area has augmented into a deep depression in the area and adjoining the southeast and the east-central Arabian Sea.

“As many 308 people from 78 families have been relocated from the disaster-prone areas of Thiruvananthapuram to relief camps in view of Cyclone Tauktae. Arrangements have been made to relocate COVID patients at home to the nearest domicile care centre, if needed.”

DC Navjot Khosa to ANI.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has also asked the authorities in coastal districts of the state to remain alert and well-equipped in view of IMD’s warning about Cyclone Tauktae.

(With inputs from PTI)