By NIMY Sara Joy
MUMBAI, India: The depression formed over the Arabian Sea has strengthened into a Cyclone Phyan, with heavy rains and storms forecast for west coast part of India including the financial capital Mumbai.
Pic courtesy NDTV
The India Metrological Department (IMD) has issued an ‘orange’ alert, one step under the red alert put out for a harsh cyclone.
Cyclone Phyan lay about 600km south-southwest off Mumbai was likely intensified further and move northeastwards, crossing south Gujarat and north Maharashtra coast between Mahuva and Dahanu. Landfall is expected between Alibaug and Valsad. It is after 67 years that Mumbai is facing cyclone. It is also expected to cause widespread rainfall across Goa, Gujarat and MP.
Extreme powerful rains are expected during the day, with wind speeds of about 800 km an hour. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea, and people living in low-lying areas have been asked to move.
The state government has asked all schools to shut for the day. Government offices have also been asked to shut by 2 pm. The ports have been told to decrease their activities for the day. Rain and windy conditions were causing delays of flights in and out in Mumbai’s airport.
