‘Tauktae’ now a severe cyclonic storm, NDRF, IAF kept on vigil

The cyclone has intensified into a “very severe cyclonic storm” over the East-central Arabian Sea and it will pass through the Union Territory of Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and reach the Gujarat coast by the morning of May 18, the IMD said.

 | 
NEW DELHI:

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday said that Cyclone Tauktae is likely to intensify further during the next 12 hours.

The cyclone has intensified into a “very severe cyclonic storm” over the East-central Arabian Sea and it will pass through the Union Territory of Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and reach the Gujarat coast by the morning of May 18, the IMD said.

States like Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra are on high vigil, and relief teams have been positioned along the coastal areas for any after-effects.

In terms of preparedness, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has mobilised its team in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Goa and Maharashtra. 

The Indian Air Force too had kept helicopters and transport aircraft on standby in case of any eventuality.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a high review meeting to assess the preparedness on the cyclone through video conferencing with various senior officials in New Delhi.

Earlier, all coastal fishing in Kerala was banned by the state's disaster management authority between May 13–17 in anticipation of rough seas caused by Tauktae's formation and traversal of the offshore waters.

(Edited by Shankar Kumar Turha)

ALSO READ: Indian Air Force prepares for Cyclone Tauktae

TNT-The Northeast Today is now on WhatsApp. CLICK HERE to receive more updates on your phone.