Even as Maharashtra and Gujarat grapple with the rising number of COVID-19 cases, the states have another problem on their hands. A severe cyclonic storm, named Nisarga, is forming over the East central Arabian Sea and is expected to make landfall on the afternoon of June 3.
Speaking to BOOM, Anand Kumar Sharma Deputy Director-General, India Meteorological Department said, "The maximum impact will be on 3rd afternoon, evening, and by 4th morning the winds will be 30 to 40 kms, So it's only for a few hours you have high gusty winds and then things are going to slow down."
Here's what we know.
Where and when will Cyclone Nisarga make landfall?
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Nisarga, as of 11.30 am on June 2, is a cyclonic storm centred about 280km north-west of Panjim moving northwards. Nisarga is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm in the next 12 hours and change its direction north-eastwards and is expected to make landfall between Harihareshwar near Alibaug in Maharashtra and Daman in the afternoon of June 3.
What will the weather be like?
Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Raigad are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places and extremely heavy rainfall on June 3. Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall. Places in Valsad, Navsari, Dang, Daman, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Surat can also expect heavy to very heavy rainfall.
Nisarga is causing wind speeds to reach 60-70 km/hr gusting to 80km/hr over the East central Arabian Sea. This will gradually rise to Gale winds with speed reaching 80-90km/hr gusting to 100 km/hr, off the coasts of south Maharashtra and Goa from the evening of June 2. The wind speed will rise to 100-110km/hr gusting to 120km/hr over East central Arabian Sea along and off Raigad, Mumbai, Palghar, Thane from the morning of June 3.
Valsad, Navsari and Daman will see winds with speeds up to 80-90 km/hr gusting to 100 km/hr. Surat, Bharuch, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg will see wind speeds of 70-80 km/hr gusting to 90 km/hr.
What warnings have been issued so far?
The IMD has warned storm surges of 1-2 m to inundate the low-lying areas in Mumbai, Thane and Raigad. Nisarga has also caused sea conditions to grow treacherous with the IMD warning of high to very high conditions from the evening of June 2 to the evening of June 3. Fisher folk have been advised not to venture out into the sea until June 3.
What kind of damage can be expected?
Nisarga is expected to damage power and communication lines as it makes landfall. Thatched houses and temporary houses are in danger of being severely damaged. Trees and plants are expected to be blown off. Crops along the Konkan coast will also suffer damage. Nisarga is also likely to damage embankments and salt pans that dot in and around Mumbai.
What measures have been taken by the authorities?
The National Disaster Response Force has deployed a total of 31 teams in anticipation of Cyclone Nisarga. 16 teams have been deployed to Maharashtra with 6 teams deployed to Mumbai, Palghar and Thane. 11 teams are stationed in Gujarat, 2 teams in Daman & Diu and 1 team in Dadra & Nagar Haveli.
Following are the Do's and Donts to follow during cyclones published by the NDMA
1. Ignore rumours and do not spread them; this will help to avoid panic situations.
2. Charge mobile phones to ensure connectivity in case of disruption in power supply.
3. Listen to the radio for information. The All India Radio issues weather warnings.
4. Ensure that torches and other emergency lights are in working condition and keep them handy.
5. Get extra food, which can be eaten without cooking. Store extra drinking water in suitably covered vessels.
6. Small and loose things, which can fly in strong winds, should be stored safely in a room.
7. Ensure that a window and door can be opened only on the side opposite to the one facing the wind.
8. Do not stay or enter damaged and dilapidated buildings.
9. Beware of broken poles and exposed power lines.