Srinagar 17 May (KNB): There is an extremely severe cyclonic storm, ‘Tauktae over east central Arabian Sea which is very likely to reach Gujarat coast in the evening hours and Diu costs, The Ministry of Earth Science said on Monday.
Officials said that according to the National Weather Forecasting Centre of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), issued at 815 Hours IST on 17th of May (Monday), The Very Severe Cyclonic Storm “Tauktae” (pronounced as Tau’Te) over east central Arabian Sea moved north-north-westwards with a speed of about 20 kmph during past 06 hours, intensified into an Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm and lay centred at 0530 hours IST of 17th May, over east central Arabian Sea near latitude 18.5°N and longitude 71.5°E, about 160 km west-southwest of Mumbai, 290 km south-southeast of Veraval (Gujarat), 250 km south-southeast of Diu and 840 km south-southeast of Karachi (Pakistan).
As per the officials, it is very likely to move north-north-westwards and reach Gujarat coast in the evening hours of 17th and cross Gujarat coast between Porbandar & Mahuva (Bhavnagar district) during the night (2000 – 2300 hrs IST) of 17th May as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm with a maximum sustained wind speed 155-165 kmph gusting to 185 kmph.
However, while issuing warnings, the Ministry said that in Konkan & adjoining Madhya Maharashtra, Light to moderate rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy falls and extremely heavy falls at isolated places on 17th May and isolated heavy rainfall over north Konkan on 18th May.
In Gujarat, Light to moderate rainfall at many places with heavy to very heavy falls at a few places and extremely heavy falls at isolated places very likely over southern districts of Saurashtra, Diu and Gujarat region on 17th& 18th May. Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall also likely over Kutch during the same period.
In Rajasthan, Light to moderate rainfall at many places with heavy to very heavy falls & extremely heavy falls at isolated places very likely over south Rajasthan on 18th & heavy to very heavy falls at isolated places over Rajasthan on 19th May.
Moreover, regarding surge in Storm, the Ministry warned that tidal wave above astronomical tide is likely to inundate coastal areas and provided the details as; about 3 meter (m) over Amreli, Gir Somnath, Diu, Bhavnagar, 2-3 m over Bharuch, Anand, southern parts of Ahmedabad, 1-2 m over Surat, Navsari, Valsad, and 0.5 – 1m over the remaining coastal districts of Gujarat during the time of landfall.
Furthermore, It was also advised that those fishermen, who are out at Sea over north Arabian Sea must return to the coast.
“The fishermen are advised not to venture into east central Arabian Sea along & off Maharashtra – Goa coasts and into northeast Arabian Sea along & off Gujarat, Daman, Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli coast till 18th May,” officials said, adding that there is total suspension of fishing operations over east central Arabian Sea, northeast Arabian Sea and along & off Gujarat, Daman, Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli coasts till the Noon of 18th.
Pertinent to mention that damage is expected over Porbandar, Amreli Junagarh, Gir Somnath Botad & Bhavnagar and coastal areas of Ahmedabad as well as damage is expected over Devbhoomi Dwarka, Kutch, Jamnagar, Rajkot & Morbi, Valsad, Surat, Vadodara, Bharuch, Navsari, Anand, Kheda and interior parts of Ahmedabad districts of Gujarat.
The Ministry of Earth Science also suggested some action that could be taken, i.e to mobilise evacuation in vulnerable areas and total suspension of fishing operations. Judicious regulation of rail and road traffic.
However, it is better if people in affected areas remain indoors and no movement in motor boats and small boats is done as that will be unsafe. (KNB)