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Cyclone ‘Tauktae’ to hit Kerala, on red alert for eight districts

IndiaCyclone 'Tauktae' to hit Kerala, on red alert for eight districts
Cyclone to hit Kerala, on red alert for eight districts
Cyclone to hit Kerala, on red alert for eight districts

Amid the raging storm with COVID, which Kerala has managed to quell to a great degree with dedication and grit, a new storm, Cyclone ‘Tauktae’, is to hit Kerala, and eight districts have been put under red alert.

IMD (India Meteorological Department) predicts that a low-pressure area in the Arabian Sea is anticipated to develop into a cyclone.  Heavy rains are foreseen in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Lakshadweep Islands, and Gujarat, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta districts are on red alert on May 14, and Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasargod will go under red alert on May 15.

The IMD has said that the low-pressure area over Southeast Arabian Sea and neighboring Lakshadweep Island is likely to intensify into cyclonic storm ‘Tauktae’. The cyclone is expected to bring heavy rainfall in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Lakshadweep Islands, and coastal Gujarat.

The IMD reckons that the low-pressure zone may first develop into a depression by Saturday, and then intensify into a cyclone before Monday.

“We cannot rule out intensification similar to Super Cyclone Amphan. At present, it is difficult to say which category of intensification the cyclone will reach. But conditions are extremely favorable for its rapid intensification.

IMD predicts ‘Tauktae’ to intensify in strength and size as it travels north, north-westerly direction reaching the Gujarati and Pakistani coastlines in the subsequent days.

Ocean heat potential is above normal; sea surface temperatures are 1-2 degree celsius above normal and Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO) is also favouring rapid intensification. We should be prepared,” said Sunitha Devi, in charge of cyclones at IMD.

Following the warning, government authorities immediately put eight districts on red alert. Three districts were warned earlier on May 14 and 5 other districts will go under red alert on May 15.

Kerala Chief Minister tweeted, “Red Alert! 14 May – Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, 15 May – Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasargod. Follow guidelines issued by @KeralaSDMA.”

 

The storm is expected to hit Kerala in the next 24 hours. The districts for which red alert has been issued are Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Malappuram, Kozhikkode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasargod.

During a cyclone, one should:

Stay tuned to warnings (keep a battery-powered radio in your emergency kit).
Activate your emergency plan.
Stay inside and shelter well clear of windows, doors, and skylights.
Don’t use a landline telephone or taps during a severe storm as lightning can travel down phone lines and plumbing.
If the building starts to break up, shelter in the strongest part (cellar, internal room, hallway, or built-in wardrobe) under a mattress, strong table, or bench.

 

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