Cyclone Tauktae is now increasing its intensity into a “very severe cyclonic storm taking 4 people’s lives in Karnataka, affecting 73 villages in India.
The violent cyclonic storm ‘Tauktae’ hovered over the east-central Arabian Sea traveling northwards with a speed of about 9 kmph during the past six hours and strengthened into a very harsh cyclonic storm.
It centered over the east-central Arabian Sea, about 150km southwest of Panaji, Goa.
The India Meteorological Department reports that it is very likely to intensify more during the next 12 hours.
The eye of the cyclone is now distinctly visible in the INSAT-3D satellite imagery at 1130 IST. The diameter of the eye is roughly 4 km with eye temperature -5.2°C. The wall cloud top temperature is -93°C,” the IMD said on Twitter.
The cyclone, first in 2021, is likely to cross the Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Mahuva (Bhavnagar district) around May 18 early morning, the weather department said. Tidal waves are likely to inundate several coastal districts during the landfall, it said.
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 kilometers per hour, speeding up to 175 kmph.
The cyclone has been given the name ‘Tauktae’ (pronounced Tau’te) by Myanmar. It means ‘gecko’, a highly vocal lizard, in the Burmese language.
Four people tragically have lost their lives.
Video of the cyclone in Karnataka
#Karnataka | Impact of rains in parts of Dakshina Kannada due to #CycloneTauktae, which is expected to hit Gujarat coast on May 18. pic.twitter.com/CobNDktUqV
— NDTV (@ndtv) May 15, 2021
What To Do Before a Cyclone Strikes
Wear strong shoes (not thongs) and tough clothing for protection.
Lock doors; turn off power, gas, and water; take your evacuation and emergency kits.
If evacuating inland (out of town), take pets and leave early to avoid heavy traffic, flooding and wind hazards.
If evacuating to a public shelter or higher location, follow police and State/Territory Emergency Services directions.
If going to a public shelter, take bedding needs and books or games for children.
Leave pets protected and with food and water.
What To Do When The Cyclone Strikes
Disconnect all electrical appliances. Listen to your battery radio for updates.
Stay inside and shelter (well clear of windows) in the strongest part of the building,
i.e. cellar, internal hallway or bathroom. Keep evacuation and emergency kits with you.If the building starts to break up, protect yourself with mattresses, rugs or blankets under a
strong table or bench or hold onto a solid fixture, e.g. a water pipe.Beware the calm ‘eye’. If the wind drops, don’t assume the cyclone is over; violent winds
will soon resume from another direction. Wait for the official ‘all clear’.If driving, stop (handbrake on and in gear) — but well away from the sea and clear of trees,
power lines and streams. Stay in the vehicle.
What To Do After The Cycle Strikes
Don’t go outside until officially advised it is safe.
Check for gas leaks. Don’t use electric appliances if wet.
Listen to local radio for official warnings and advice.
If you have to evacuate, or did so earlier, don’t return until advised. Use a recommended route and don’t rush.
Beware of damaged power lines, bridges, buildings, trees, and don’t enter floodwaters.
Heed all warnings and don’t go sightseeing. Check/help neighbours instead.
Don’t make unnecessary telephone calls.