The India Meteorological Department has upgraded the warning to extremely heavy rainfall in Mumbai for the next few hours.Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and took stock of the situation in the state.The IMD has warned that the wind speed is picking up in Mumbai due to the intensity of cyclone Tauktae, which is barreling towards the Gujarat coast. Cyclone Tauktae is likely to cross the Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Mahuva, east of Diu, tonight between 8 pm and 11 pm.According to the Met Department, the extremely severe cyclonic storm now has a wind speed of 180-190 kilometres per hour, with winds gusting to 210 kilometres per hour. However, the IMD has forecast that its intensity will reduce when it hits the Gujarat coast.
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In Mumbai, gusty winds will continue and escalate up to 120kmph. Media reports said the wind speed recorded at 2 pm at Colaba was 112 kmph.High-speed winds and heavy rains lashed Mumbai and its neighbouring areas. Trees were uprooted in many areas, and local train services were disrupted.Because of the strong winds, the Bandra-Worli sea-link was closed for traffic and people were asked to take alternate routes.
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Mumbai Police announced that Malad Subway is closed for commute following water-logging. It also appealed to people to stay indoors unless it's an unavoidable emergency.As a precautionary measure, operations at Mumbai Airport have been closed till 4 pm.
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Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar visited the Emergency Management and Control Room at Mantralaya to review the cyclone situation, rescue and relief work."The concerned district and state administration is fully prepared to ensure swift rescue and relief work for the citizens," he said.Over 12,000 people from Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg and Raigad have been moved to safer places.
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