Cyclone Tauktae intensifies into ‘extremely severe’ cyclonic storm: Current Affairs Special Series

Team Adda247 and BankersAdda are here with a Current Affairs Special Series. In this series, candidates will be introduced to current affairs topics daily, which will not only improve their general awareness but also will ensure that the candidates do not lack in any current affairs topic. Today’s Current Affairs topic is Cyclone Tauktae intensifies into an ‘extremely severe’ cyclonic storm.

Cyclone Tauktae intensifies into an ‘extremely severe’ cyclonic storm

Cyclone Tauktae has impacted 40 Covid-19 affected districts across Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Diu, and Tamil Nadu. Heavy rainfall has experienced in Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, and some parts of Maharashtra. These states are on high alert with transportation services suspended and emergency and relief teams on the lookout for possible rescue operations. 

The Meteorological department said Tauktae is likely to intensify into a ‘very severe’ cyclonic storm and will cross the Gujarat coast on May 18 mornings, But now the department said Tauktae intensifies into an ‘extremely severe’ cyclonic storm and likely to be reached at Gujarat coast today’s (i.e. 17 May) evening. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to be over the entire Konkan and hilly areas of western Maharashtra, mainly Kolhapur and Satara. In Kerala, the cyclone has compelled the state government to shift hundreds of families to relief camps despite the risks associated with Covid-19. In Mumbai, the state govt. has suspended vaccination drive for today i.e. 17 May and also directed that Mumbai Airport would remain closed for today. Even Gujarat Govt. has also suspended vaccination drive for two days in the entire state. 

Cyclone Tauktae

Name: Myanmar (which means highly vocal lizard) 

Speed: expected to be 155-165 kmph.

The National Crisis Management Committee, which is headed by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, directed the agencies to ensure the ‘uninterrupted’ functioning of Covid hospitals in the states affected by Tauktae and secure zero loss of lives. Gauba also emphasized that the functioning of hospitals and covid care centers should not be disrupted due to lack of oxygen and power supply. 

Union home minister Amit Shah interacted with the CMs of cyclone-impacted states via conference and reviewed the preparedness. Shah has directed the states to make adequate arrangements in hospitals. 

Commerce and Industry minister Piyush Goyal and Ports, Shipping and Waterways minister Mansukh Mandaviya have also taken interaction with industry leaders on preparedness for cyclone Tauktae.