Cyclone Nisarga likely to cause major destruction in Maharashtra, Gujarat

According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone is very likely to move nearly northwards during next few hours, recurve north-northeastwards thereafter and cross north Maharashtra and adjoining south Gujarat coast between Harihareshwar and Daman, close to Alibag in Raigad District of Maharashtra during the afternoon of June 3 as a Severe Cyclonic Storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph.

The cyclonic impact will cause light to moderate rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy falls at isolated places very likely over Konkan and Goa during next 24 hours. Light to moderate rainfall is also expected at most places with isolated heavy falls very likely over Coastal Karnataka, Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada.

“Light to moderate rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy falls at a few places and extremely heavy falls at isolated places seems very likely over north Konkan (Mumbai, Palgar, Thane, Raigad districts) and north Madhya Maharashtra,” IMD said.

Light to moderate rainfall at most places with heavy falls at isolated places over west Madhya Pradesh is also forcast for June 3.

With the high wind speed and high sea surge at coastal areas of both states, the weather monitoring centre has advised total suspension of fishing operations, mobilizing evacuation from low lying areas, judicious regulation of rail and road traffic, people in affected areas to remain indoors and total ban on movement in motor boats and small ships.