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Tag: Cyclone Tauktae

  • Cyclone Tauktae: Indian Coast Guard says all but 19 fishing boats have returned to ports in Maharashtra, Gujarat

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: With Cyclone Tauktae fast approaching the Gujarat coast, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Sunday said that all fishing boats, except 18 in Maharashtra and one in Gujarat, have reached their harbours or taken shelter at nearby ports.

    According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Tauktae has intensified into a “very severe cyclonic storm” and is very likely to reach the Gujarat coast in the evening hours of May 17 and cross it between Porbandar and Mahuva in Bhavnagar district around the early morning of May 18.

    “Pre-emptive measures in full swing for Maharashtra & Gujarat. Barring 18 boats from Maharashtra and one boat from Gujarat, all boats have either returned harbour or taken shelter in nearby ports,” the ICG said on Twitter.

    The IMD said squally wind with speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is likely over the northeast Arabian Sea and along and off south Gujarat and Daman and Diu coasts from Sunday morning.

    The IMD has also issued a yellow alert for the coasts of Gujarat and Diu and Daman.

    According to the Cyclone Warning Division of the IMD, by May 18, the wind speed is expected to increase to 150-160 kilometres per hour, gusting up to 175 kmph.

    Wind speed reaching 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph is likely along and off south Maharashtra-Goa and adjoining Karnataka coasts, and 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph along and off the north Maharashtra coast on May 16.

    It is likely to increase to 65-75 kmph gusting to 85 kmph along and off the north Maharashtra coast from May 17 till the morning of May 18, the IMD said.

  • Cyclone Tauktae: Cabinet Secretary reviews preparedness, 101 NDRF teams deployed across states

    By ANI
    NEW DELHI: The National Disaster Rescue Force (NDRF) has deployed a total of 101 teams across the states that will most likely be affected due to Cyclone Tauktae. As many as 79 teams, along with 22 on standby have been deployed. Rescue and relief teams of the Army, Navy and Coast Guard, along with ships and aircraft have also been deployed.

    The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), under the chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary, Rajiv Gauba met on Sunday to review the preparedness of Central and State Ministries/Agencies to deal with Cyclonic Storm ‘Tauktae’ in the Arabian Sea.

    Director-General of the Indian Meteorological Department said that cyclone is expected to reach the Gujarat Coast in the morning of May 18 (Tuesday) with wind speeds ranging from 150 to 160 km/hour, accompanied by squally winds, heavy rainfall and storm surge in the coastal districts of the state.

    The meeting was attended by Chief Secretaries of the States of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and advisors to the administrators of the Union Territories of Lakshadweep and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

    The incoming cyclone has intensified into a “very severe cyclonic storm” over the east-central Arabian Sea and is very likely to intensify further during the next 12 hours, said the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday morning.

    At least four people have lost their lives and 73 villages across six districts in Karnataka have been affected amid the intensification of Cyclone Tauktae, said the Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) on Sunday.

    Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a review meeting with the Chief ministers and administrators of States and union territories to deal with the situation arising out of cyclone Tauktae.

  • Cyclone Tauktae: Goa sets up control rooms, NDRF team in state

    By PTI
    PANAJI: The Goa government has put in place various measures in view of the IMD’s warning about cyclone Tauktae, officials said on Saturday.

    Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said a team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) comprising 22 personnel has reached the state, and control rooms are also set up at the district and taluka level, which would remain functional round-the-clock.

    As per the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) prediction, Konkan and Goa are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on May 15 and 16 as the weather condition is very likely to intensify into cyclonic storm Tauktae.

    The Goa Fire and Emergency Services said it has kept its personnel ready to tackle the situation.

    “We have kept our force ready to face any kind of eventualities arising out of the cyclone,” its director Ashok Menon told PTI.

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    The Emergency Services, with its force of 800 personnel, have taken proactive steps in this regard, he said.

    “The cyclonic winds and rains that lashed the state on Friday did not cause much damage,” Menon added.

    The disaster management response forces of the state’s two districts – South Goa and North Goa – led by the respective collectors, held meetings on Friday to check the preparedness.

    According to officials, the impact of the cyclone is likely to be less severe given that a curfew is in place in the state till May 24 due to the coronavirus situation.

    State Ports Minister Michael Lobo said the entire beach belt in this tourist state is currently empty.

    “Due to the curfew, all the restaurants and regular activities in the coastal belt are shut. People are also not allowed to move on the beaches.

    This will help in ensuring that the impact of the cyclone remains minimal,” he said.

    Sanguem tehsil in South Goa witnessed several incidents of falling of trees due to cyclonic winds on Friday.

    In a video message, the chief minister said, “Lifesaving machinery on beaches has been activated under the state Tourism Department”.

    He said the NDRF is working in coordination with state departments including Electricity, Water Resources, and the Disaster Management Cell.

    Sawant said the state has already issued directions to various sectors including Fisheries.

    Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea for the next three days.

    He asked people living in the coastal belt and near banks of rivers to remain alert and take precautions.

    “A communication plan with early warning and alarm has also been activated. State Ports department has alerted all ships,” the CM added.

  • Western Railway cancels 56 trains as Cyclone Tauktae heads towards Gujarat coast

    By PTI
    AHMEDABAD: With cyclone Tauktae heading towards Gujarat coast, the Western Railway (WR) on Saturday cancelled 56 trains till May 21 as a precaution.

    Some trains were `short-terminated’, which means their journey will end before the final destination.

    All cancelled trains originate or terminate in cities in Saurashtra region.

    Three trains were cancelled on May 15, 11 on May 16, 22 on May 17, 13 on May 18, five on May 19, and one each on May 20 and 21, the WR said in a release.

    Most of these trains terminate in cities like Bhuj, Porbandar, Gandhidham, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Surendranagar, Veraval and Okha.

    ALSO READ | Military put on standby as Cyclone Tauktae likely to intensify within hours

    In its advisory, the Ministry of Home Affairs has called for judicious use of rail and road services in view of the cyclone.

    Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said hospitals in coastal areas have been instructed to ensure that treatment of critical patients is not disrupted in case of power outage or other adverse events.

    All patients who are on oxygen or ventilator should be shifted to COVID hospitals in nearby districts if needed, he said, after holding a high-level meeting to review the state’s preparedness to face the cyclone.

    Ambulances with advanced life support systems and ICU ambulances should be sent from other parts of Gujarat to Jamnagar, Rajkot, Kutch and Junagadh, he said.

    The government will ensure “zero casualty”, the chief minister added.

    “Cyclone Tauktae is very likely to intensify further into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm during next 12 hours and intensify further.

    “It is very likely to move north-northwestwards and reach Gujarat coast in the morning of 18th & cross Gujarat coast between Porbandar & Naliya around 18th May Afternoon / evening,” the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its latest release.

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  • Military put on standby as Cyclone Tauktae likely to intensify within hours

    Express News Service
    NEW DELHI: Indian Armed Forces on Saturday mobilised their men and machinery for rescue and relief as Cyclone Tauktae, expected to turn into a very severe cyclone, was set to hit the western coast.

    The Air Force Spokesperson said, “The IAF has kept 16 transport aircraft and 18 helicopters on operation readiness in peninsular India in the wake of cyclone Tauktae which is expected to cause very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall along the western coast of India in the next few days.”

    ALSO READ | Cyclone Tauktae: Heavy rain batters Kerala, red alert issued in nine districts

    One IL-76 aircraft has already taken 127 personnel and 11 tonnes of cargo from Bhatinda to Jamnagar. Also, a C-130 aircraft has flown 25 personnel and 12.3 tonnes cargo from Bhatinda to Rajkot. Additionally, two C-130 aircraft have airlifted 126 personnel and 14 tonnes cargo from Bhubaneswar to Jamnagar.

    “Indian Navy is on standby with ships, aircraft, helicopters and relief teams in coordination with the district administration,” the Navy spokesperson said.

    ALSO READ | Tamil Nadu braces for cyclone Tauktae, CM Stalin asks officials to monitor dam levels

    The Cyclone is expected to intensify, the Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) updated through its Tweet. “Cyclone Tauktae in Arabian Sea likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and further intensify into very severe cyclone storm PM 15/ AM 16 May. Likely to move NNW and cross between Porbander and Naliya, India on 18 May.”

    The IFC-IOR is Indian collaborative initiative along with friendly-member nations which enhances maritime safety and security on the seas of this region.

    ALSO READ | 50 families evacuated in Mangaluru after Cyclone Tauktae hits Karnataka coast

    The IAF’s Covid relief operations teams in the west coast areas will also undertake cyclone relief operations, said the IAF Spokesperson.

  • PM reviews preparedness on cyclone Tauktae, asks officials to take all measures to ensure safe evacuation

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday reviewed the preparedness of states, central ministries and agencies concerned to deal with the situation arising out of cyclone Tauktae and asked them to take every possible measure to ensure that people are safely evacuated.

    He also called for ensuring maintenance of all essential services such as power, telecommunications, health and drinking and their immediate restoration in the event of damages caused to them, a statement said.

    At the high-level meeting which was attended by Home Minister Amit Shah and top officials concerned, Modi directed them to ensure special preparedness on COVID management in hospitals, vaccine cold chain and other medical facilities on power back up and storage of essential medicines and to plan for unhindered movement of oxygen tankers, the PMO said.

    ALSO READ | 50 families evacuated in Mangaluru after Cyclone Tauktae hits Karnataka coast

    “He (PM) also directed for 24×7 functioning of control rooms. He also said that special care needs to be taken to ensure that there is least possible disruption in oxygen supply from Jamnagar.

    He also spoke about the need to involve the local community for timely sensitisation and relief measures,” it added.

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said at the meeting that cyclone Tauktae is expected to touch Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Naliya around May 18 afternoon or evening with a wind speed ranging up to 175 kmph.

    It is likely to cause heavy rainfall in the coastal districts of Gujarat, including extremely heavy falls in Junagadh and Gir Somnath and heavy to very heavy rain at a few places in the districts of Saurashtra, Kutch and Diu, namely Gir Somnath, Diu, Junagadh, Porbandar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Amreli, Rajkot, Jamnagar.

    The IMD also warned of storm surge of about two-three metre above astronomical tide to inundate coastal areas of Morbi, Kutch, Devbhoomi Dwarka and Jamnagar districts and one-two metre along Porbandar, Junagarh, Diu, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar and 0.5 to one metre over the remaining coastal districts of Gujarat, the statement said.

    The IMD has been issuing three hourly bulletins since May 13 with latest forecast to all the states concerned.

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  • AAI taking all precautions in view of cyclone Tauktae

    By PTI
    MUMBAI: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) on Saturday announced suspension of scheduled flight services at Agatti Airport in Lakshadweep till 10 am on May 16 due to heavy rains.

    The Authority has directed all airports concerned to take all precautions and plan preparedness in view of cyclone ‘Tauktae’ approaching the western coast of the country, AAI said in a statement.

    The airport will be made operational as and when cyclone passes the area, AAI said.

    The AAI senior management earlier on Saturday took stock of the situation with the southern and western region airports at a virtual meeting.

    ALSO READ | Houses in Kasaragod devoured by sea: Not just Cyclone Tauktae, residents blame harbour too

    Keeping safety in mind and to minimize damage to the airport infrastructure, airports are advised to plan as per the SOP and guidelines, while precautionary measures are being ensured by airports concerned, AAI said.

    India Meteorological Department issued a weather forecast regarding pre-cyclone watch for south Gujarat and Diu coasts (depression over Lakshadweep area), AAI said.

    As per the forecast, it is very likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm during the next 24 hours and intensify further.

    It is very likely to move north-northwestwards and reach near Gujarat coast by May 18 morning and a warning has been issued for Lakshadweep islands, Kerala, Tamil Nadu (Ghat districts) and Karnataka (coastal & adjoining Ghat districts), as per AAI.

  • Depression over Arabian Sea intensifies into Cyclone Tauktae, to cross Gujarat coast around May 18: IMD

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: The deep depression over the Arabian Sea has intensified into cyclonic storm Tauktae and is likely to cross the Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Naliya around May 18, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday.

    It said Tauktae will be a very severe cyclonic storm from May 16-18.

    In a bulletin released at 1:45 PM, the IMD said, “It (Tauktae) is very likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm during the next six hours and into a very severe cyclonic storm during the subsequent 12 hours.

    It is very likely to move north-northwestwards and cross the Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Naliya around 18th May afternoon/evening.”

    Both the Centre and states have been gearing up to deal with the cyclone that has been building up over the Arabian Sea for days now.

    Later in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold an important meeting to review preparations to deal with the impending Cyclone Tauktae, according to government sources.

    The National Disaster Response Force has increased from 53 to 100 the number of teams earmarked to undertake relief and rescue measures in the aftermath of the cyclone.

    The Central Water Commission has also issued a moderate to high risk alert over watersheds in central and northern parts of Kerala, adjoining south coastal and south interior Karnataka.

    The government machinery in Goa has put in place necessary measures to tackle the situation in view of the warning about Cyclone Tauktae.

    According to the IMD, Konkan and Goa are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on May 15 and 16.

    The Goa Fire and Emergency Services said it has kept its personnel ready to tackle the situation.

    Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has directed the authorities in coastal districts of the state to remain alert and well-equipped to tackle the situation.

  • Cyclone ‘Tauktae’: NDRF doubles number of teams mobilised for rescue, relief measures to 100

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: The National Disaster Response Force has increased from 53 to 100 the number of teams earmarked to undertake relief and rescue measures in the wake of impending Cyclone Tauktae, a senior officer said on Saturday.

    The force’s Director General, S N Pradhan, said in a tweet that these teams are being mobilised for deployment in the coastal regions of Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Goa and Maharashtra.

    On Friday, he had said that 53 teams are being committed for the cyclonic storm that is developing in the Arabian sea.

    The deployment of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams has been “upped” as per new inputs provided by the India Meteorological Department, Pradhan said.

    Out of the 100 teams, the director general said 42 are being pre-deployed or stationed on the ground in six states while 26 are on stand-by.

    #CycloneTauktae UPDATE15/5/21- @NDRFHQPer new IMD inputs deployment upped100 NDRF tms committed42 tms pre-depl26 tms stndby32 tms for bk-up India-wideAirlifted if reqdKerala,Ktka,TN,Guj,Maha,Goa@PMOIndia @HMOIndia @PIBHomeAffairs @BhallaAjay26 @ANI pic.twitter.com/fvaMGHGfRS
    — ѕαtчα prαdhαnसत्य नारायण प्रधान ସତ୍ଯପ୍ରଧାନ-DG NDRF (@satyaprad1) May 15, 2021

    Thirty-two teams are on backup and can be airlifted upon requirement, Pradhan said.

    The NDRF chief also said that members of these teams have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and are equipped with the required tools.

    A single NDRF team comprises 35-40 personnel and they are armed with tree and pole cutters, boats, basic medical aid and other relief and rescue equipment.

    The India Meteorological Department had said on Friday that the depression in the Arabian Sea is likely to intensify into a “very severe cyclonic storm” on May 17 and cross the Gujarat coast a day later.

    The weather condition has intensified into a deep depression.

    It is very likely to further intensify into cyclonic storm ‘Tauktae’ by Saturday morning and very likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm by Saturday night, it had said.

  • AAI closely monitoring cyclone Tauktae, yet to take decision on closing airports in impacted areas

    By ANI
    NEW DELHI: An Airports Authority of India (AAI) official on Saturday said there is no immediate plan to shut airports in the wake of cyclone Tauktae as there is no clarity about areas that will be “most affected” due to the natural disaster.

    “Right now it is not clear that which area will be most affected due to the cyclone. We do not have a plan to shut the airports as of now,” the official said.

    A high-level operational review meeting of the AAI is underway with senior officials over the situation.

    “After IMD alerted us about the recent cyclone Tauktae, AAI is closely monitoring the weather patterns and how it will affect… Accordingly, if the parameters are not in accordance with the aircraft operation then only we will take action,” AAI senior official told ANI.

    “It is an operational measure and we are taking care of all these things… All our airport operation personnel, airport directors, and ATCs of the respective airports are trained to deal with such a calamity and they have handled it before as well. Therefore, we are following the set Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs),” the official added.

    After the cyclonic warning, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed several teams on the ground. At least 24 teams have been pre-deployed and 29 teams are on standby for Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, SN Pradhan, NDRF Director General, told ANI.

    A multi-faceted team is monitoring the cyclone vulnerability. The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), AAI, DGCA, IMD, Disaster Management Team, and airlines are in touch with the concerned authorities for further decision.

    Airlines have also put their teams and operations on alert ahead of the cyclone. Vistara and IndiGo have issued advisories for their passengers that their flights are likely to be impacted.

    “Due to the adverse weather conditions expected over the Arabian Sea, flights to and from Chennai, Thiruvanathapuram, Kochi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Goa and Ahmedabad are likely to be impacted till May 17, 2021,” Vistara said.

    IndiGo tweeted: “Travel Advisory: Due to Cyclone Tauktae, flights to/from Kannur are impacted. You may visit Plan B to opt for alternate options or get a refund.”

    Warning about the cyclone Tauktae, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday said the low-pressure area over the Arabian Sea near Lakshadweep has intensified into a deep depression and is expected to make a landfall between May 17 and May 18.

    The cyclone will hit and affect five states- Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting to review preparations against the cyclone on Saturday. Senior officials from the government and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) will be present at the meeting.