Cyclone Tauktae: IMD issues red alert for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar; Upgrades warning to extremely heavy rainfall

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert in Mumbai, Thane Raigad and Palghar ahead of landfall for cyclone Tauktae.

IMD issues red alert for Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and Palghar District ahead of landfall for cyclone.#CycloneTauktae pic.twitter.com/0ePGaMnRxA

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) May 17, 2021

The IMD has warned of extremely heavy rain and wind speed may escalate upto 120 kmph over the next few hours. Therefore, Mumbaikars and Thanekars are advised to be careful. Moreover, the BMC has been appealed citizens to not leave their homes unless any emergency.

IMD has upgraded the warning to Extremely heavy rainfall in Mumbai for the next few hours. Gusty wind will continue and escalate up to 120kmph: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)#CycloneTauktae

— ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2021

Gusty winds and heavy showers lashed Mumbai and its neighbouring areas on Monday as the "very severe cyclonic storm" Tauktae headed towards Gujarat, uprooting trees and disrupting local train services in the metropolis, officials said.

Six persons were killed in Maharashtra's Konkan region in separate incidents related to the severe cyclonic storm 'Tauktae' while three sailors remained missing after two boats sank in the sea, news agency PTI reported citing an official statement.

Currently, several parts of Mumbai and neighbouring areas are witnessing heavy downpour coupled with strong winds.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra minister Aaditya Thackeray on Monday, May 17, visited the BMC's disaster management cell to review the situation arising out of the cyclonic storm Tauktae and said the authorities are doing everything to keep the people of the city safe.

Moreover, there were reports about water-logging in six low-lying areas, including the Hindmata junction, Andheri subway and Malad Subway, crucial for the east-west connectivity.

Three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are deployed in the Mumbai suburbs. The navy has also been asked to remain alert. The Indian Air Force has two aircraft, the C-130J and An-32, for the NDRF team. Troops will be taken to Mumbai and Ahmedabad.