Cyclone Nisarga to make landfall in Maharashtra between 1 PM to 4 PM; evacuation underway

With an expected increase in wind conditions up to 120 kph, Cyclone Nisarga is likely to make landfall on rth coast of Maharashtra between 1 pm to 4 pm on Wednesday as per Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). 

"Wind conditions will furr increase up to 100-110 gusting to 120 kph as conditions are favourable for intensification. higher sea surface temperature and low vertical wind shear favoured intensification of severe cyclonic circulation," said IMD in a series of tweets.

Explaining nature of wind speed, IMD furr tweeted, "Eye diameter is about 65 km as observed through Radar. thus diameter has decreased during past 01 hours indicating intensification of system. hence wind speed has increased from 85-95 kph to 90-100 kph gusting to 110 kph."

20 NDRF teams deployed in Maharashtra

Several National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed across Maharashtra to ensure preparedness for impending cyclone. A total of eight teams have been deployed in Mumbai, five teams in Raigad, two teams in Palghar, Thane, and Ratnagiri and one team in Sindhudurg, said NDRF.

Besides, five NDRF teams were airlifted by IL-76 from Vijaywada for Mumbai on June 2, as per Indian Air Force (IAF) "Around 60% of people, from coastal areas around this area, have gone to ir relatives' places. remaining ones have been sent to evacuation centre. We have also taken into account COVID-19 guidelines and ensured social distancing," NDRF officer Shiv Parada Rao, deployed with his team in Dahanu area, told ANI.

"From information we have received cyclone Nisarga is likely to hit here by tonight. exact time is t confirmed yet. We are taking all preparedness measures to tackle situation," he added. NDRF teams also conducted evacuation in Alibaug during early hours on Wednesday morning, as per NDRF Director General SN Pradhan.

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