Maharashtra braces for Cyclone Nisarga’s impact, amid COVID-19 pandemic

A tropical cyclonic storm called Nisarga is developing in the Arabian Sea. It is moving northwards at a speed of four kilometre per hour. The cyclone is currently 550 km away from Mumbai. According to  IMD, it is likely to make landfall between Harihareshwar in Maharashtra’s Raigad and Daman on June 3.

20 million people stand to be affected along the Konkan coastline.  Mumbai city too will be affected due to the severe cyclonic storm. The IMD has issued a red alert for six other districts – Palghar, Thane, Raigad, Dhule, Nandurbar, and Nashik, between June 3 and 4.

As per the IMD, Nisarga will be packing at a wind speed of 105-115 kmph, gusting to 125 kilometres per hour on June 3. It will weaken into a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 60-70, gusting to 80 kilometres per hour on June 4.  Nisarga will cross very close to the Mumbai coast while entering the land.

The coastal areas of Maharashtra and Gujarat may experience high-speed winds and extremely heavy rainfall during this period. The fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea. A cyclone alert has been sounded to all residents living within three km of the coast. The government is making preparation for evacuating people from the low lying regions.

Maharashtra, which has the highest number of Covid-19 cases in the country, has issued special instructions to officials. They have been asked to shift patients to safer locations in case the cyclone makes landfall on Wednesday.

Also Read: Cyclone Nisarga: National Disaster Response Force Has Deployed 9 Teams In Maharashtra