Cyclone Tauktae live update - PM Modi calls up Gujarat CM to review preparedness & Mumbai airport shut till 8 pm !



Cyclone Tauktae
live update - Cyclone Tauktae has intensified into an "extremely severe cyclonic storm". Gusty winds and rains lashed Mumbai and its neighbouring areas today morning as the "very severe cyclonic storm" Tauktae was heading towards Gujarat. It is expected to reach the Gujarat coast on the evening of May 17, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said !

As a precautionary measure, the state administration shifted over one lakh people living in coastal areas of 17 districts to safer places till late Sunday night, and the work resumed on Monday morning, the government said in a release. 

According to the Cyclone Warning Division of the IMD, by May 18 the wind speed is expected to increase to 150-160 km per hour, gusting up to 175 km per hour. This year's first cyclone has added to the woes of the states which are already grappling with the devastating second wave of COVID-19.

The Centre has given a slew of directions to the states to ensure that the health facilities do not suffer and medical supplies are maintained. IMD Director General M Mohapatra said the cyclone has seen a rapid intensification. 

The gradual intensification stages are cyclonic storm, severe cyclonic storm, very severe cyclonic storm, extremely severe storm and super cyclonic storm.

The operations at Mumbai airport will remain shut till 8 pm, the officials said. Earlier, the operations were suspended till 6 pm. The authorities have decided to extend the closure period as the city was still reeling under incessent rainfall and heavy winds !

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