In what is going to be Mumbai’s very first cyclone in over a century, Cyclone Nisarga is expected to hit the city soon. A red alert has been issued for the city, its suburban districts including Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts in view of Cyclone Nisarga. To keep the damage in check, Section 144 has also been applied throughout the city to keep people restricted to their homes in light of the flood alert issued by the Central Water Commission.
Dos
- Loose things outside the house should be tied or moved indoors
- Seal important documents and jewellery in a plastic bag
- Regularly inspect battery-operated as well as reserve power system
- Pay attention to official instructions on TV and radio
- Practise actions to be taken in case of emergencies
- If you do not live in a mud house/hut, choose a part of the house as an emergency shelter and practise how members of the house will use the space during the cyclone
- Keep an emergency kit ready
- Stay away from windows. Close some windows and keep some open so the pressure is maintained.
- Stay at the centre of the room. Stay away from the corners as debris often accumulates in the corners
- Hide under strong furniture such as a stool or a heavy table or desk, hold it tight
- Use your hands to protect your head and neck
- Avoid large roof spaces such as auditoriums or shopping malls
- If you find an open space and there is enough time, find the right shelter in the nearest pit or pasture
- Relocate to a predetermined or administration determined location
- Disconnect power supply of all non-emergency equipment and tools
- Store drinking water in a clean place
- Help people trapped or injured. Provide first aid if needed
- Check for air leaks. If you smell gas or hear a leaking sound, immediately open the windows and exit the building. If possible, turn off the gas valve and report to the gas company
- Check for damage to electrical equipment. If you notice sparks, exposed wires, or burning smell of rubber, disconnect the main power supply and call the electrician
- Help those in need of special help like children, physically challenged, elderly, neighbours
Don’ts
- Don’t spread or believe in rumours
- Do not attempt to drive or ride any vehicle during the cyclone
- Stay away from damaged buildings
- Do not move injured people unless it is absolutely safe to do so. It may cause more harm
- Do not allow oil and other flammable substances to spill. Clean immediately
- In case of any emergency, immediately call the BMC disaster control room
While Nisarga is expected to be way lesser in intensity than Cyclone Amphan than hit Eastern parts of India last month, it is always better to exercise precaution and be safe than sorry. As per the latest media reports, landfall has already begun in the Southern part of Alibaugh with a strong wind speed of 120-140 kmph. The landfall is expected to last for approximately 3 hours and is likely to enter the city areas in 1-2 hours. Here’s what the weather in Mumbai has been looking like since morning:
Meanwhile, you can keep a real-time track of the cyclone here:
Stay safe people. This too shall pass.
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