Cyclone Tauktae has intensified into a “very severe cyclonic storm” and is approaching the Gujarat coast, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on May 16.
“It is very likely to move north-northwestwards and reach Gujarat coast in the evening hours of 17th [May] and cross Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Mahuva [Bhavnagar district] around 18th May early morning,” the IMD said.
Here are the latest updates:
Very heavy rains likely in parts of Konkan, Mumbai
The very severe cyclonic storm Tauktae could cause heavy to very heavy rains at isolated places in north Konkan, Mumbai, Thane and Palghar in Maharashtra on May 17, the IMD said.
The Met department has predicted extremely heavy rainfall in Raigad on Monday.
The IMD had informed the Mumbai civic body that Mumbai is not in the direct line of the threat of the cyclone.
However, as it will pass through the sea near the Mumbai coast, its effect is likely to be accompanied by rain and strong winds.
"Latest track forecast, CS could come at arnd 19N Lat on 17 May afternoon, but could far more than 200+ km. Still N Konkan; Mumbai Thane Palghar could hv hvy-vry hvy RF at isol places. Raigad Extremely HR possible. Strong winds, rough sea, Rain 16-17 May," tweeted K.S. Hosalilar, head SID, Climate Research and Services, IMD, Pune. — PTI
Mumbai Mayor takes stock of cyclone preparedness
According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mumbai has not received rains since Sunday morning though the sky is mostly overcast.
However, the weather mainly remained windy in the city, resulting in the falling of four trees in the western suburbs.
Mumbai had received light rain on Saturday night.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar on Sunday took stock of the cyclone preparedness after visiting the BMC disaster control room.
Ms. Pednekar appealed to citizens to strictly follow the instructions given by the civic administration from time to time. — PTI
Nadda speaks to BJP leaders over measures to help people
BJP president J.P. Nadda interacted with party leaders from coastal States which are likely to be affected by cyclone Tauktae, and said that saffron organisation members will provide all possible help to people.
Party MPs, MLAs and office bearers from Goa, Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Daman & Diu and Gujarat were part of the virtual meeting with Mr. Nadda.
The BJP president later tweeted, "Cyclone Tauktae is heading towards coastal regions of Goa, Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Daman & Diu & Gujarat. Discussed the precaution & relief work with BJP MPs, MLAs & State office bearers of affected areas. We will provide all possible help following COVID protocols." — PTI
ICG says all but 19 fishing boats have returned to ports in Maharashtra, Gujarat
With Cyclone Tauktae fast approaching the Gujarat coast, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) said that all fishing boats, except 18 in Maharashtra and one in Gujarat, have reached their harbours or taken shelter at nearby ports.
"Pre-emptive measures in full swing for Maharashtra & Gujarat. Barring 18 boats from Maharashtra and one boat from Gujarat, all boats have either returned harbour or taken shelter in nearby ports," the ICG said on Twitter. — PTI
73 villages affected in Karnataka, 4 dead
With Cyclone Tauktae wreaking havoc in the coastal and surrounding Malnad districts of Karnataka, four deaths have been reported in the State so far, officials said.
According to a situation report by Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority officials on Sunday morning, 73 villages, 17 taluks in seven districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Kodagu, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru and Hassan have been affected by the cyclone so far.
Among the 73 villages affected, a maximum of 28 are from Udupi district.
Among the four deaths reported so far one each are from Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga, officials said. — PTI
Tauktae intensifies into ‘very severe cyclonic storm’, yellow alert issued for Gujarat coast: IMD
Cyclone Tauktae has intensified into a “very severe cyclonic storm” and is approaching the Gujarat coast, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on May 16.
“It is very likely to move north-northwestwards and reach Gujarat coast in the evening hours of 17th [May] and cross Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Mahuva [Bhavnagar district] around 18th May early morning,” the IMD said.
The IMD has also issued a yellow alert for the coasts of Gujarat and Diu and Daman. - PTI
Tauktae intensifies into ‘very severe cyclonic storm’, yellow alert issued for Gujarat coast: IMD
Strong winds, rain in Goa; power supply hit
Gusty winds and heavy rains lashed several parts of Goa on Sunday morning due to cyclonic storm Tauktae, uprooting electric poles and affecting power supply in many parts of the coastal state, officials said.
No casualty was reported so far, they said.
Power supply in majority areas of Goa was disrupted as several electric poles got uprooted due to the high speed winds, state Power Minister Nilesh Cabral told PTI.
- PTI
Cyclone Tauktae: Strong winds, rain in Goa; power supply hit
Cyclone Tauktae to reach Gujarat coast on Monday evening: IMD
The very severe cyclonic storm Tauktae is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours and reach the Gujarat coast on May 17 evening, the IMD said.
It would cross the State’s coast between Porbandar and Mahuva in Bhavnagar district by early Tuesday morning, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its latest bulletin on May 16.
Tidal waves are likely to inundate several coastal districts during the landfall, it said.
Cyclone Tauktae to reach Gujarat coast on Monday evening: IMD
About 12 kilometres stretch of beach front in Mangaluru North ravaged by raging sea waves
Coastal belt in Dakshina Kannada district for a length of about 12 kilomeres, from Kulai to Sashithlu, to the North of Mangaluru, was ravaged by raging waves of the Arabian Sea under the influence of Cyclone Tauktae since Saturday.
Major portions of fisheries roads along this stretch have been damaged along with adjacent buildings and houses. The NITK beach road between Surathkal Light House and NITK Beach, was completely cut off following the onslaught of the waves.
With the sea continuing to be rough on Sunday too, the district administration has taken steps to move families living along the fisheries road in Sasihitlu, Hosabettu, Meenakaliya, Panambur, Ullal and Ullal Someshwar to relief centres.
- Special Correspondent
About 12 km stretch of beachfront in Mangaluru North ravaged by raging sea waves
Kerala likely to experience isolated heavy rainfall today also
Kerala is likely to receive isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall on May 16, even as Tauktae, which has intensified into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm, has moved further north in the Arabian Sea.
Many places in the State are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall.
Cyclone Tauktae | Kerala likely to experience isolated heavy rainfall today also
Mumbai civic body moves 580 COVID-19 patients
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation shifted 580 patients from Covid care centres in the city as a precautionary measure after India Meteorological Department warned that Cyclone Tauktae is likely to pass close to the city, a BMC official said on Sunday.
The BMC on Saturday night shifted 580 patients from BKC (243), Dahisar (183) and Mulund (154) jumbo Covid care facilities to state and civic-run hospitals in Mumbai, the official said.
Officials are also contemplating a possible shut down of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link as a precautionary measure because of IMD's announcement that the cyclone may pass close to the city on Sunday.
The BMC had on Friday alerted city hospitals to avoid last-minute confusion over beds and availability of oxygen devices.
Suburban rail services in Mumbai will operate on Sunday, the official said. - PTI
DoT holds meeting with telecom infra firms to assess readiness for cyclone
The Department of Telecom on Saturday held a review meeting with telecom infrastructure providers to take stock of readiness to mitigate the impact of cyclone Tauktae, industry body Taipa said.
"In order to ensure uninterrupted telecom connectivity in these States Maharashtra, Mumbai and Gujarat, the Department of Telecommunications held a meeting with all the telecom infrastructure providers and their representative body Tower & Infrastructure Providers Association (TAIPA)," the industry body said in a statement.
The meeting was chaired by telecom secretary Anshu Prakash and was also attended by the telecom operators along with various senior DoT officials including DG Telecom TK Paul and other officials from State offices, the statement said.
"All our IPs (infrastructure providers) members have taken necessary steps to ensure uninterrupted connectivity in these areas which are likely to be affected by the cyclonic storm and all the background arrangements like additional DG sets, battery banks, spare parts, stocking of diesel are taken care of," TR Dua, Director-General, Tower & Infrastructure Providers Association said.
He said IPs have also deployed additional restoration teams which are kept on standby mode for all major districts and areas likely to get impacted. - PTI
In Kerala, Pazhassi dam to be opened partially
As heavy rains continue to pour in the region, the Kannur district administration has decided to open the Pazhassi Dam partially by Sunday afternoon.
District Collector T.V. Subhash said that currently, the water level in Pazhassi Dam has reached 24.55 m. The shutters of the dam will be partially opened at 12 noon on Sunday for safety reasons as heavy rains continue in the catchment areas of the dam at 10 cm per hour.
People in Padiyoor, Irikkur, Narath, Koodali Pappinisseri, Valappattanam, Kalyassery, Mayyil, Malappattanam, Chengalai Grama Panchayats, Anthoor and Mattannur Iritti Municipalities should be careful, he said.
Police, fire service (101) and revenue-related local government presidents and secretaries are taking follow-up action, he added.
Meanwhile, heavy winds and rains caused severe damage in the district. As many 21 houses were partially destroyed and one well was completely destroyed.
Sea wall collapses; 300 persons shifted from Azhithala coastline
The Disaster Management Authority on Sunday shifted around 300 persons from the Azhithala-Kuriyadi stretch of the Kozhikode coastline after a four-kilometre long sea wall collapsed in the area following sea erosion.
Officials said the strongly-built granite wall was found caved in, posing a serious threat to nearly 100 houses in the coastal area near Vadakara. Many of these houses were damaged by rough waves, they said.
The coastline turned into a garbage dump with huge pile of plastic wastes washed ashore after the collapse of the protective wall. As a safety measure, many nearby residents were also asked to relocate to safer locations, the officials said.
