Advisory for Mumbai: Brace for strong winds, flying objects as Cyclone Vayu intensifies
While Mumbai will not face the full brunt of the cyclone, authorities have urged people to brace for strong winds, not venture into the sea and maintain a safe distance from the shore-line (Satellite image of cyclone Vayu, Courtesy: Skymet)
The weather department, civic body, and Mumbai Police have all warned Mumbaikars to brace for strong winds and exercise caution in wake of the potential threat from flying objects as Cyclone Vayu intensifies.
The city will not face the full brunt of Cyclone Vayu, which is expected to make landfall in Gujarat on Thursday. However, its impending arrival has led to windy conditions on the western coast.
The cyclone intensified into ‘Very Severe Cyclonic Storm’ by Tuesday night. As of today morning, it was around 280 km south-southwest of Mumbai and making a trajectory towards Gujarat, where it is expected to make landfall at Veraval.
Adequate arrangements, like evacuation people from risky areas and deployment of NDRF teams, have been made in Gujarat and nearby Daman & Diu to prepare for the cyclone’s arrival.
In Maharashtra, winds are likely to be around 50-60 kmph, gusting to 70 kmph today. Although Mumbai is not likely to face the full impact of the cyclone, city-dwellers have been asked to take precaution.
“There is a potential threat from flying objects. Sea conditions are very likely to become rough to high along and off Maharashtra coast on Wednesday and Thursday,” said KS Hosalikar, Deputy Director General at IMD.
Very severe cyclonic storm VAYU is now at 280 km south – south west of Mumbai.
Winds over north Maharashtra coast are very likely to be 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph today. A windy day. pic.twitter.com/W3Ncpjn4kj— K S Hosalikar (@Hosalikar_KS) June 12, 2019
Sea beaches would require special attention and fishermen warnings have been issued, Hosalikar said, adding that gusty winds can cause tree falling incidences too.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in Mumbai has also asked people to refrain from visiting areas close to the sea.
“Precaution is better than cure must have been said for a reason! So while we are here for the cure, we request Mumbaikars to take precaution on ground and the sea today. City expects strong winds and we request you to maintain safe distance from shore-line,” it said.
A similar advisory was issued by Mumbai police.
“In view of Cyclone Vayu heading towards Gujarat coast, Mumbai is likely to experience very windy conditions from afternoon. Citizens shud not venture into sea and should keep safe distance from shore-line. Parking under weak/old trees be avoided. Take care Mumbai,” it said.
The city has already witnessed over a dozen tree fall-related incidents since the first pre-monsoon shower and more can be expected in the next 2-3 days.
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