Amid the novel coronavirus pandemic wreaking havoc in the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat, another misfortune is likely to strike the two states. A deep depression in the Arabian Sea has strengthened into a cyclonic storm 'Nisarga' on Tuesday morning and will make landfall close to Alibag, 94 kms south of Mumbai on the afternoon of June 3.
The cyclone is very likely to intensify into a "severe cyclonic storm" over the next 12 hours and cross Maharashtra and South Gujarat coast on Wednesday, an IMD official said on Tuesday.
The cyclonic storm will cross North Maharashtra and adjoining South Gujarat coast between Harihareshwar and Daman, close to Alibaug (in Maharashtra's Raigad), on June 3 as a severe cyclonic storm with a maximum sustained wind 100-110 gusting to 120 kmph, he said.
Meanwhile, 34 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed. Of the 34 teams, 16 have been deployed in Gujarat, 15 in Maharashtra, two in Daman and Diu, and one in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, NDRF Director-General S.N. Pradhan said. Most of the teams had been deployed in coastal districts facing the Arabian Sea, he added.
Prime Minister Modi has urged people to take all possible precautions and safety measures. "Took stock of the situation in the wake of cyclone conditions in parts of India's western coast. Praying for everyone's well-being. I urge people to take all possible precautions and safety measures," the Prime Minister said in a tweet.
Maharashtra Minister of Environment and Tourism Aaditya Thackeray on Tuesday morning had a detailed review of the preparations to handle Cyclone Nisarga. Taking to Twitter, Aaditya Thackeray said, "This morning, I had a detailed review of the preparations to handle the incoming #CycloneNisarga with the Municipal Commissioner of Mumbai Chahal ji and all the AMCs, DMCs and ACs for all wards. While we fight covid, we are prepping ourselves to also deal with cyclone."
"My colleague & guardian minister of Mumbai city @AslamShaikh_MLA ji also has been taking updates and reviews as we prep for this. We have to safeguard our citizens and the city at large. All the wards have begun the pre cyclone preps," he added.
(With inputs from Agencies)
