Cyclone Nisarga is now fast approaching the north Maharashtra coast. The cyclonic storm is expected to make landfall this afternoon near Alibaug about 100 km from Mumbai.
“Cyclone “Niarga” is moving northeastwards with a speed of 12 kmph towards north Maharashtra coast. It is 140 km south-southwest of Alibag, 190 km south-southwest of Mumbai and 415 km south-southwest of Surat at 0730 hours IST of 03.06.2020,” India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
“Wind conditions will further increase upto 100-110 gusting to 120 kmph as conditions are favorable for intensification. The higher Sea surface temperature and low vertical wind shear favored the intensification of severe cyclonic circulation,” IMD said.
“Eye diameter is about 65 km as observed through Radar. thus, the diameter has decrease during past 01 hour indicating intensification of system. hence wind speed has increased from 85-95 kmph to 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph,” IMD added.
Thousands of people were evacuated in low lying areas of Maharastra and Gujarat ahead of Cyclone.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in areas expected to be affected along Maharashtra and Gujarat coasts.
“#IAF continues in a heightened state of preparedness to provide required assistance in combating #NisargaCyclone. On 02 Jun one IAF IL-76 aircraft landed at Surat with 5 NDRF teams. Another IL-76 airlifted 5 NDRF teams from Vijayawada for Mumbai,” Indian Air Force (IAF) tweeted.
On Tuesday, PM Modi took stock of the situation in the wake of cyclone conditions in parts of India’s western coast and urged people to take all possible precautions and safety measures.
He spoke to Chief Ministers of Maharashtra and Gujarat and Administrator of Daman Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli Praful K Patel regarding the cyclone situation. He assured all possible support and assistance from the Centre.
