Cyclone Tauktae likely to intensify into very severe storm

Cyclonic Storm “Tauktae” (pronounced as Tau’Te)  is likely to intensify into a ‘very severe cyclonic storm’ in the next 12 to 15 hours with a wind speed of 120 to 130 kmph gusting to 145 kmph, according to the India Meteorological Department. It is also expected to move north north-westwards and cross the Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Naliya as a very severe cyclonic storm around May 18 afternoon or evening. 14 teams of NDRF are stationed at Pune as standby and ready for any movement in short notice, he added.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Commandant Anupam Srivastava said that currently Cyclone Tauktae is around 250-300 kilometres away from Western coast of Maharashtra and it is expected to make an impact on the state of Maharashtra late night on Saturday or Sunday at any time. He was briefing media persons in Mumbai.. As of now, three NDRF teams have been deployed in Mumbai and one in Goa. Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow for Mumbai and Thane for 17th of May and a green for Palghar district of Maharashtra because of Cyclone Tauktae. A yellow signifies heavy rains at isolated places where green indicates light to moderate rain. The low pressure formed over southeast Arebian Sea and Lakshadweep which is likely to concentrate into a depression over the region.
In Kerala, heavy rain continues to wreak damage as Cyclone Tauktae intensifies. Widespread sea-erosions and damage is being reported in the coastal areas of the state. As the sea remains rough, the ship's journey to Lakshadweep is completely stopped. Thousands of people are being shifted to relief camps. Extensive damages are being reported from hilly regions and low lying areas. Red is issued in five northern districts. District Control Rooms are opened.National and State Disaster Response Forces, Naval forces and Coast Guards are coordinating the relief measures. Meanwhile, few stranded fishermen were rescued by coast guards in Kannur.