Cyclone Tauktae: Red alert issued, Western Railway cancels 56 trains
In view of the possible damages that can be caused by Tauktae, 24 teams of National Disaster Response Force have been deployed in Gujarat
Cyclone Tauktae, formed over the Arabian Sea, has become more intense this morning. According to the Meteorological Department, it is likely to reach near the coast of Gujarat by Tuesday, where there will be heavy rainfall. Along with Gujarat, the cyclone can also wreak havoc in the Union Territory of Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
Due to this, a red alert has also been issued for Cyclone Tauktae in Gujarat and Diu. Due to the storm, there is a strong possibility of heavy rains in the coastal areas of Maharashtra, while floods have already been predicted in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Major losses have been reported from the coastal areas of Karnataka and Goa due to heavy rains and strong winds. Followed by this, four people have already succumbed due to rain accidents in Karnataka.
These districts in Gujarat are likely to face heavy rains
From Porbandar and Naliya, the storm can cross the shores of Gujarat. Due to the cyclone, there may be heavy rains in Saurashtra and Kutch of Gujarat including Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Porbandar, Dwarka, Amreli, Rajkot, Jamnagar and Diu. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has said that the state government is fully prepared to deal with Cyclone Tauktae. After a review meeting on Sunday itself, he said that the government is keeping an eye on the cyclone and is taking necessary steps.
National Disaster Response Force teams deployed
In view of the possible damages that can be caused by Tauktae, 24 teams of National Disaster Response Force have been deployed in Gujarat. The district administration has been informed to take all the necessary steps so that there is no loss of life due to the cyclonic storm. The administration has been asked to maintain the power supply in all covid hospitals and also to keep diesel generator sets ready if required. Ambulances and ICU ambulances have also been kept ready with advance life support systems in Jamnagar, Junagadh, Rajkot of Saurashtra and Kutch. The administrations of the coastal districts have been asked to ensure the safety of fishermen and salt workers.
56 trains in Saurashtra cancelled
Western Railway has said that 56 trains to or from Saurashtra in Gujarat have been cancelled as a precautionary measure. The coastal city of Ratnagiri received heavy rainfall on Sunday. In Mumbai also, the cyclone has started the mayhem from this afternoon. The Meteorological Department has issued an Orange Alert, according to which the entire mountainous regions of Western Maharashtra, especially Kolhapur and Satara, may receive heavy to very heavy rainfall today and tomorrow.
BMC makes alternative arrangement for electricity in hospitals
The BMC on Saturday night transferred 580 patients to the state and civil hospitals of Mumbai. On Friday, it alerted the hospitals to avoid last-minute problems regarding the availability of beds and oxygen equipment. BMC also asked the hospitals to keep generators and other alternative systems ready in case of probable power failure. Around 40 ambulances were deployed to shift patients.
Rain and lightning have been reported at some places in Mumbai, Thane, Raigad. Meanwhile, IMD has issued a warning for fishermen near the coastal areas.
Red alert announced in Karnataka
Extreme caution is being exercised in South Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts in Karnataka due to the cyclone Tauktae. Fishermen have been warned not to go to sea till May 18. People living in low-lying areas have been evacuated to safer places and a red alert has been announced.
Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai and Revenue Minister R.K. Ashok reviewed the preparations for relief work in a meeting with the State Disaster Management Authority yesterday.
Furthermore, the leave of the employees of the Police and Revenue Department has been cancelled and two NDRF teams are employed in Dakshina Kannada and Kodagu with relief material boats, life jackets, life boy deep divers sets, generators and satellite phones. Eight relief camps have been opened in three coastal districts. Shelter centers have also been opened for cyclone-affected people. Medication, masks, sanitizers and soaps have also been arranged.