Cyclone Tauktae ( pronounced as Tau’te) is consider to be a very high intensity cyclone, developed in the Arabian Sea and has already taken more than 11 lives. It was expected that the cyclone storm will intensify severely by Sunday with a wind speed of 160 kmph. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Tauktae is likely to intensify further in the next 24 hours and would hit Gujarat Coast by Monday evening.

An estimate of around five lakh peoples are being shifted from low lying western coastal areas. Around 54 teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed. Four deaths from Karnataka, two from Kerala, two from Maharashtra and three deaths from Goa are being claimed by respective states government.
The major impact of the cyclone on one hand is rooting up of trees, electricity poles, destroying houses and roads as well as claiming many lives ; on other hand, IMD have issued a Red alert to three districts of Kerala as the water levels of Dams is increasing in the catchment area. Restoration work has been hampered due to the strong winds and coastal areas are largely destroyed. The IMD is still keeping an eye over the Cyclone as it is racing towards Gujarat. The government is trying very hard to shift as many people as possible within the time frame.

OUR EXPRESSION

Since cyclones are predictable, the government should ensure early displacement of people from coastal areas into transit camps providing basic necessities like food, water, clothing and personal hygiene. People should donate eagerly to Prime Minister’s Relief Fund. Funding should be covertly used for continuous supply of necessary items.
Haritima provides its condolence to the families who have lost their dear ones.